Citing her leadership and long-time involvement in the Lawrence community, Senator Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, has been named recipient of the 2008 Helen Fluker Open and Accessible Government Award by the Lawrence-Douglas County League of Women Voters. "Marci has been actively involved in the Lawrence community since the 1970s, when she served on the City Commission and one term as mayor," League President-Elect Carrie Lindsey said. "Marci has a high energy level and a special ability to do at least five tasks at once. She has the patience of a skilled mediator and is not vested in any one way to solve a problem. She is a good listener and welcomes input." The Helen Fluker Open and Accessible Government Award is presented annually to a Douglas County resident who has helped increase citizen participation in government, educated the public on policy issues, and worked to make government more open and accessible. "It’s important to recognize and encourage citizen involvement in government," said Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka. "As a member of the City Commission, as mayor and now as a member of the Kansas Senate, Senator Francisco has worked hard to help Douglas County residents understand and actively participate in the governmental process. Her natural enthusiasm and contagious spirit has supported an open political forum like no other in the state." Senator Fransisco serves as the Ranking Minority Member both on the Senate Agriculture and Senate Natural Resources Committees. She is also a member of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, the Joint Arts and Cultural Resources Committee, the Utilities Committee , and the Joint Legislative Educational Planning Committee. She serves the 2nd Senate District, which includes northwest Douglas County.