Sen. Padden deserving of award

You might recall that a few weeks ago, I wrote about my colleague, 4th District Senator Mike Padden of Spokane Valley, who announced he is retiring when his current term ends, rather than seeking reelection in November.

Although he cares about several legislative issues, Mike especially has been focused on crime and public safety, which is why he has served as either the chair or ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee for many years.

During our years together in the Senate, we have co-sponsored several anti-crime bills, including those that impose tougher penalties on criminals.

When I was Senate Republican leader and Mike was chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, we discussed crime issues often.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Sen. Padden will receive a very special honor in about three weeks. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs will present Mike with the Gene Cotton Award, its highest honor for public service.

In his letter to Sen. Padden announcing the upcoming award, association Executive Director Steve Strachan wrote, “It is reserved exclusively for public officials whose public service has been dedicated to the creation of outstanding public safety policy in Washington State and whose achievements and dedication are commonly recognized throughout Washington State’s criminal justice community.

“The Gene Cotton Award is not an award given routinely. It has only been awarded 10 times in the 22 years since it was created.”

In other words, this award is a big deal. I can think of nobody more deserving of this special honor than Sen. Mike Padden, who has dedicated many years as a legislator to reducing crime in Washington and helping crime victims.

— Sen. Mark Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, including Eastern Adams County. Email him at mark.schoesler@leg.wa.gov.