At its December meeting the SouthWest Transit Commission recognized Sen. David Osmek (33) and Chanhassen Mayor Tom Furlong for the contributions they have made to SouthWest Transit.
Osmek, a resident of Mound, Minnesota, who represents Senate District 33, was presented the “Outstanding Political Champion” award. The senator worked hard on behalf of SWT, securing over $60,000 in additional supplemental funding through the state of Minnesota.
“This new funding can be used for either operations or capital,” said Len Simich, CEO of SouthWest Transit. “We thank Senator Osmek for his assistance in this effort.” This is the second consecutive year Senator Osmek has received the agency’s “Outstanding Political Champion Award”.
Chanhassen mayor and former SWT chair Furlong was presented the “Distinguished Service Award” in appreciation and gratitude for the years of leadership and dedication provided to SouthWest Transit.
“Tom has long been a supporter of the agency, and between January 2008 and December 2010 he oversaw many of our accomplishments”, said Simich. “Also during Tom’s tenure, SWT was honored as the Minnesota System of the Year, and was the national award recipient for Transit Safety and Security.”
