Palouse mayor receives Avista ‘excellence’ award

Palouse mayor Michael Echanove was awarded the Excellence in Local Government Award by the local Avista office at a council meeting Jan. 18.

“I’m so humbled. It’s really my honor to be the mayor of Palouse. I’m just lucky- that’s all. Palouse is so awesome,” Echanove later told the Gazette.

Echanove received the 2010 plaque in front of the city council, staff and Palouse citizens. Paul Kimmel, Regional Business Manager for Avista, gave it to him and spoke to those in the room on the meaning of the award.

Avista picked two elected officials from Whitman and Latah counties for the award.

A press release on the award said leaders are selected for innovation, continual learning and improvement, accountability and respect.

“We believe it is important to identify and celebrate those who have had a notable positive impact on their community or region,” the release said.

Echanove will also receive $250 which he said he is passing on to the government classes at Garfield/Palouse High School.

Palouse councilman Mike Milano said Echanove’s strength as a mayor lies in his behind-the-scenes work for the city. Echanove diligently picks up trash along city streets. He travels regularly to Olympia to advocate for state funding for Palouse. He is also an active leader for the Palouse Boy Scout troop.

“There’s a great number of things Echanove does behind the scenes in Palouse that nobody ever hears about,” Milano said. “He works almost every weekend on city business.”

Milano said he was particularly inspired by Echanove’s work with the scouts.

“He is helping lead young men in our community,” Milano said.