From her initial involvement as a Shoreline City Council Member and Mayor, to her election to the Washington House of Representatives in 2010, Representative Ryu has focused on community development and consumer protection—core tenets shared by special purpose utility districts.

From left to right: Ron Ricker, Charlotte Haines, Keith Scully, Representative Ryu, Jeff Clark, Patricia Hale, Judi Gladstone, John McClellan, and Diane Pottinger

On June 29, North City Water District was honored to be on hand as she received an Outstanding Legislator Award from the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts (WASWD), in recognition of her particular service to special purpose utility districts.

North City Water District Commissioners Ron Ricker, Charlotte Haines, and Patricia Hale, and District Manager Diane Pottinger, PE were joined by WASWD’s Executive Director Judi Gladstone, City of Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully, Mukilteo Water & Wastewater District Commissioner Jeff Clark, and Alderwood Water & Wastewater District Manager John McClellan at the ceremony, which was held at our Maintenance Facility in Shoreline.

Representative Ryu receiving the award from WASWD Executive Director Judi Gladstone

Representative Ryu’s efforts this past session have included sponsoring and shepherding legislation to provide equal treatment for all local governments undertaking public works procurement processes—despite not serving on the House Local Government Committee—by negotiating with her colleagues on that committee to secure strong bipartisan support for the bill.

Thanks to her support, the bill was signed by the Governor on May 4, 2023, allowing special purpose districts the same conditions for performing work in-house, which will ultimately save on ratepayer bills.

At a separate ceremony, WASWD also presented an Outstanding Legislator award to Senator Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), in recognition of his long-standing leadership and commitment to accessible low-cost loans for infrastructure. His efforts this past session included funding negotiations for Washington state’s Public Works Assistance Account, and supporting funds that enabled another WASWD member District to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

As one of the special purpose sewer and water districts serving 25% of the population in our state, North City Water District extends our sincere appreciation to both Representative Ryu and Senator Mullet.

About the Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts

The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (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.