Ballard/Thompson Award History
Past Recipients
2023 – Former Rep. Emily Wicks and Rep. Gerry Pollet
Gerry Pollet
Two state lawmakers received the Clyde Ballard/Alan Thompson Award for their commitment to open government during the 2022 legislative session.
Emily Wicks
Former state Rep. Emily Wicks and state Rep. Gerry Pollet, a WashCOG board member, played central roles in the passage of House Bill 1329 in 2022. It significantly updated the state Open Public Meetings Act.
Among other things, the new law requires governing bodies to allow public comment at or before regular meetings at which final action is taken. It also requires governing bodies to enter the reasons for executive sessions in the meeting minutes.
The award was presented at the annual WashCOG Sunshine Breakfast on March 17, 2023.
2018 - Rep. Joan McBride and Senator Mark Miloscia
Mark Miloscia
The Washington Coalition for Open Government honored State Representative Joan McBride (D-48th District, Kirkland) and State Senator Mark Miloscia (R-30th District, Federal Way) with the organization’s Ballard-Thompson Award for 2017.
Joan McBride
McBride and Miloscia are being honored for their efforts to improve public agency performance and accountability in their compliance with Washington’s Public Records Act, as embodied in Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1594.
The Ballard-Thompson Award was presented to McBride and Miloscia at an event during the 2018 legislative session in Olympia.
2015 - Senator Reuven Carlyle
2015 Ballard/Thompson Award winner Senator Reuven Carlyle (left) with WashCOG President Toby Nixon (right).
2014 - Senator Joe Fain
2014 Ballard/Thompson Award winner Senator Joe Fain (right) with WashCOG President Toby Nixon (left).
2013 - Speaker of the House Frank Chopp
2013 Ballard/Thompson Award winner Speaker Frank Chopp (center) with WashCOG President Toby Nixon (left) and former Senator Alan Thompson (right).
2012 - Senator Bob Morton
2012 Ballard/Thompson Award winner Senator Bob Morton(center) with WashCOG President Toby Nixon (left) and former Senator Alan Thompson (right).