Sen. Maralyn Chase, D-Shoreline, was recently named Legislator of the Year by the Washington Association of Water and Sewer Districts, Section Four, which represents the 33 independent water and sewer districts serving King County.

"Because of Senator Chase's…strong advocacy of the peoples' right to vote on local government actions that may significantly impact their utility rates, the citizens of Shoreline will have a say in whether they want to take on millions of dollars in debt to buy a water system," said Shoreline Water District Commissioner Ron Ricker.

Chase earned the award through her efforts to ensure that ratepayers in Shoreline maintained the ability to vote on whether the city should purchase, own and operate a water utility.

“Special purpose districts are a demonstration of democracy,” Chase said. “People must have a voice in all decisions made on their behalf. That’s cornerstone of an open and transparent government.”