Modern Electric Water Company proudly announced the presentation of the prestigious Statesmanship Legacy Award to Washington State Senator Mike Padden in recognition of his exceptional 28-year tenure in the Washington State Legislature.
The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 4, during the Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association Energy Summit, attended by esteemed energy association leaders, Washington state policymakers, and candidates for statewide and congressional offices.
“Senator Mike Padden’s unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy for the people of Spokane Valley and the state of Washington have left an indelible mark on our community,” said Joe Morgan, CEO of Modern Electric Water Company in Spokane Valley.
“His exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service embody the values we hold dear at Modern Electric Water Company. We are honored to present him with the Statesmanship Legacy Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions and profound impact. Congratulations, Senator Padden, on this well-deserved honor.”
In a heartfelt award presentation, Sen. Padden was lauded for his passion, fiery spirit, and dedicated service to the Spokane Valley community. With an illustrious legislative career spanning nearly three decades, Sen. Padden has exemplified principled leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to public service.
Colleagues in the Legislature shared their thoughts on Sen. Padden’s remarkable legacy.
Sen. Shelly Short, floor leader for the Senate Republican Caucus (7th District):
“Mike Padden was one of the longest-serving members of the Legislature by the time I was appointed to the Senate in 2017, and I quickly came to recognize the depth of his knowledge and experience. I appreciated his guidance on legislation, procedural motions and the dozens of other specific decisions members are called upon to make. Mike’s principles were always consistent – fiscal responsibility, limited government, preserving our constitutional freedoms, protecting the role of the family and supporting our institutions. As a former district court judge, he was unwavering in his support for the judicial system, effective law enforcement and justice for crime victims. When our colleagues launched their crusade to open prison doors and defund the police, Mike was a staunch voice of opposition, fighting the good fight for public safety and to hold criminals accountable for their actions. Yet he also knew how to work the system to achieve his goals, and he maintained strong working relationships with members of the other party. Mike has been one of our strongest members, and I am glad to see him receive this award, because it shows others recognize his contribution as we do within the Senate Republican Caucus.”
Sen. Lynda Wilson (17th District): “If you cherish our Second Amendment like I do, Senator Padden is your kind of legislator. But as we saw in this past legislative term alone, he’s also capable of passing legislation on issues ranging from housing supply and business ownership to corrupt prison guards and promoting habitat for pollinators! When it came to debates in the Senate chamber, no one was more of a statesman. What a tremendous legacy he leaves.”
The Statesmanship Legacy Award recognizes Sen. Padden’s outstanding contributions to the Spokane Valley community, the 4th District, and the state of Washington. Throughout his tenure, Sen. Padden has championed legislation to improve the lives of residents and foster bipartisan cooperation in pursuit of common goals.
In accepting the award, Sen. Padden expressed gratitude for the honor. He thanked Modern Electric Water Company, its Board of Directors, and its dedicated team for their support and recognition.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Sen. Padden. “The Legislature must do all it can to ensure affordable, reliable energy remains a reality for Washingtonians. Modern Electric Water Company is to be commended for providing some of the lowest electric power rates in our state and for providing such reliable service to its customers.”
CAPTION: Sen. Mike Padden receives the Statesmanship Legacy Award from Modern Electric Water Company’s Chelsea Martin.