Metro President Tom Hughes and Metro were presented a Daily Journal of Commerce Newsmakers Award at the newspaper's annual awards luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 22.
Editor Stephanie Basalyga, who nominated Hughes, said "I have always been impressed by what Tom Hughes has done in Hillsboro. Though it took the whole community, Tom was an important catalyst in revitalizing the downtown area. When I visited Hillsboro last summer and spent time at the farmers market talking to people, I noticed that everyone gave Tom nods for his energy," she added.
Basalyga also noted the Metro Council President race in honoring Hughes and Metro with the award, calling the race a "cliffhanger." "It was exciting for the media, and it gave us an insight on how much people really cared about the race and the issues the candidates focused on."
Hughes generated an interest in Metro that the media hadn't seen in a long time, she said. "Tom talked about the important issues Metro handles that the public doesn't necessarily see. His campaign helped bring to light what Metro does and the roles it will play in the future, particularly in land use and transportation."
This is the first year the DJC has honored both individuals and organizations with awards. The awards honor the built environment’s most interesting and influential newsmakers.