HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2020-4681

HR 4681

ByRepresentative Dufault

WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

WHEREAS, Mike Leita emigrated to the United States from Italy with his father when he was only six years old and settled in the Yakima area where he was raised; and

WHEREAS, Mike Leita was educated through the local public school system, graduating from Eisenhower High School in Yakima; and

WHEREAS, Mike Leita attended Washington State University, graduating in 1969 with a degree in marketing; and

WHEREAS, Mike Leita returned to Yakima and followed in his father's footsteps, taking over his family's road construction business; and

WHEREAS, With the slogan "New Leadership," Mike Leita was elected in November 2004 to serve as Yakima County Commissioner and served four four-year terms; and

WHEREAS, Mike Leita became known as a "fearless leader" who helped get the county's finances in order, guiding the county out of challenges from a jail contract with King County that had been negotiated before he took office; and

WHEREAS, Mike Leita led the county through difficult financial times, implementing "zero-based budgeting" in his first year of office, which required every department and every program to prove itself every year and set in place a "priorities of government" system with county officials identifying the most important programs to fully fund; and reducing, consolidating, or eliminating programs that were not working for the good of the taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, Mike Leita modeled his proven leadership style from the James Freeman Clarke quote: "A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation"; and

WHEREAS, Mike Leita and his wife, DeAnn, have been married for forty-seven years and are blessed with a son, Todd, and a daughter, Traci, and four grandchildren; and 

WHEREAS, Mike Leita is the embodiment of the American Dream, coming to Yakima from humble beginnings, working hard to become successful, and giving back to his community through public service; and

WHEREAS, After fifteen years as a dedicated Yakima County Commissioner, Mike Leita retired from office in January to spend more time with his beloved family;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize Mike Leita for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the citizens of Yakima County and Washington state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Mike Leita and his family.