July 28, 2023

Outstanding Legislator Awards

Ryu

Mullet

The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD) presented two Outstanding Legislator Awards this year, to Senator Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), and Representative Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline). According to the WASWD, Both Mullet and Ryu were responsible for significant efforts to ensure the success of special purpose water and sewer districts in the state of Washington. Mullet is a small business owner, previous Issaquah City Council member, and has been a senator for over a decade. He is currently vice-chair of the Ways and Means Committee, and has been involved in negotiating the capital budget, including several efforts with specific benefits to special purpose utility districts. Mullet's negotiations for funding the state's Public Works Assistance Account this year brought back funding for infrastructure after years of funds being diverted, giving local districts and other government agencies access to affordable, low-interest infrastructure financing for 2023 and 2024. From her initial involvement as a Shoreline City Council member and mayor, to her election to the House in 2010, Ryu has focused on community development and consumer protection — core tenets shared by special purpose utility districts. Her efforts this past session included sponsoring and shepherding legislation to provide equal treatment for all local governments undertaking public works procurement processes. The WASWD exists to advance the work of over 175 special purpose districts that provide water and sewer utility services throughout Washington state through education, advocacy, and collaboration.