OLYMPIA – District 16 Representative Terry Nealey (R) was awarded the Association of Washington Cities City Champion Award at the organization's City Action Days conference in Olympia on Jan. 24. Nealy was one of eight legislators to be recognized for championing city issues last year.

Nealey and Joan McBride (D) of Kirkland were recognized for their work to pass legislation to help modernize the Public Records Act.

"AWC is pleased to recognize representatives McBride and Nealey for their work in the legislature to help local governments serve their residents better," said Pat Johnson, AWC President and Buckley Mayor. "Cities need champions in the Legislature, and these two representatives certainly rise to the occasion, again and again."

Nealey was instrumental in helping pass House Bills 1594 and 1595 which makes public records requests less burdensome to cities. The bill, among other things, updates the process of asking a requestor to clarify a request, allows city to impose service charges to exceptionally complex requests, prohibits overly broad requests, creates a grant program to help improve public records management and allows cities to charge a small fee for providing copies of electronic records.

"For too long our local government entities were exposed to the financial burdens and risk of lawsuits as a result of vexatious requestors exploiting outdated public records laws. It was time to update the statute to curb the abuse, while still protecting open and transparent government. It took several attempts, perseverance and stakeholders coming together to find a solution," said Rep. Nealey.

"It is an honor to accept this award. However, it was a team effort. Many can take credit for this achievement, including the Association of Washington Cities for their involvement and support," he added.

The Association of Washington Cities is an Olympia-based organization advocating on behalf of Washington's 281 cities and towns.