WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/15/08) - The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) has recognized a select group of legislators for their work on behalf of county government during the 2007-2008 Legislative Session with the WCA Outstanding Legislator Award. A number of Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly staffers were also recognized by the Wisconsin Counties Association. WCA Executive Director Mark O'Connell says the legislators proved that they were committed to issues that the association believed were important to the member counties.

“This group of legislators has proven they are committed to the vast and complex issues facing Wisconsin’s counties," said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell.

"With considerable fiscal challenges facing the state, as well as an ongoing demand for services, we recognize this was not an easy task,” said O'Connell.

“These lawmakers have rallied for county interests and this award represents to our organization those individuals who fought hard for counties, and ultimately, the taxpayers,” O'Connell said.

The winners of the “WCA Outstanding Legislator Award” are:

WISCONSIN STATE SENATE:
State Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona), State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar), State Senator Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee), State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee), Former State Senator Roger Breske (D-Eland), Former State Senator Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh).

WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY:
State Representative Donna Seidel (D-Wausau), State Representative Terry Musser (R-Black River Falls), State Representative Mark Gottlieb (R-Port Washington), Former State Representative Jim Kreuser (D-Kenosha), State Representative Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford), State Representative Mark Pocan (D-Madison), State Representative Joe Parisi (D-Madison).

In addition, WCA also recognized the important role legislative staff played in the day-to-day activities of not only Capitol offices, but also the entire Legislature, with the “WCA Outstanding Legislative Staff Awards.”

The “WCA Outstanding Legislative Staff Award” winners are:

WISCONSIN STATE SENATE STAFF:
Amber Hodson, Office of State Senator Jeff Plale; Jamie Kuhn, Office of State Senator Mark Miller; Kevin Brady, Office of Former State Senator Roger Breske; Mike Wagner, Office of Former State Senator Carol Roessler.

WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY STAFF:
Natalie Verette, Office of State Representative Donna Seidel; Kathie Colbert, Office of State Representative Terry Musser.

“Capitol staff is an integral part of the process and we are proud to recognize this group for their dedication to county issues,” said O’Connell.

“It would be very difficult to accomplish our legislative goals without the hard work and support of these key players in the process and we commend them for their work on behalf of Wisconsin’s counties,” O'Connell said.