Nielsen honored as legislator of the year

Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber, received the annual "Patty Mattingly Award" for 2009 on Wednesday from the Regional Council of Rural Counties.

The award was presented during the organization's annual installation of officers in Sacramento.

Established in 1973, the Regional Council routinely recognizes legislators who exhibit leadership on rural issues and knowledge of the distinctive challenges rural communities continuously encounter.

The Patti Mattingly Award is named after former Siskiyous County Supervisor Patti Mattingly, and was created because of her remarkable dedication, valor, and ability to advance productive solutions surrounding rural issues.

The responsibility to select an award beneficiary falls on the hands of the board of directors.

Supervisor Larry Munger of Sutter County, immediate past chairman, applauded Nielsen's many efforts to help rural counties meet the challenges of a very difficult 2009 legislative session.

Colusa County Supervisor Kim Dolbow Vann, incoming second vice chairwoman, said water policy and the water bond was also a big issue for rural counties.

"Throughout the discussions on water, Assemblyman Nielsen and his staff took the time to understand our position and, as such, he was able to help protect area-of-origin and water right priorities," Vann said in a statement.

Nielsen represents the 2nd Assembly District, which includes Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yolo counties.