Suzan K. DelBene

Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Todd for more than four decades of service to the City of Mill Creek and the people of Snohomish County. From his earliest days as a community volunteer to his service as a Mill Creek City Councilmember, Mayor, and Director of Public Works, Mike has dedicated himself to strengthening the community he has proudly called home since 1983.

Throughout his career, Mike has embodied true civic leadership. Long before holding public office, he volunteered countless hours at local schools, youth programs, and parks, helping enrich the lives of young people and families throughout the region. During his more than fifteen years on the Mill Creek City Council, including two terms as Mayor, he earned a reputation for his thoughtful, pragmatic approach to helping the city grow while preserving the qualities that make it a special place to work, live, and raise a family.

His impact extends well beyond Mill Creek. Through his service with Community Transit, the Puget Sound Regional Council, the Snohomish County Cities Group, and other regional organizations, Mike strengthened regional partnerships and advanced policies that continue to serve our communities today. In 2020, Mike also stepped into the role of Director of Public Works & Development Services during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing steady leadership during an extraordinarily challenging time.

Mike's legacy is reflected not only in the projects he led and positions he held, but in the many lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mike Todd for his remarkable contributions to the people of Washington. I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement, thank him for his decades of service, and wish him and his family the very best as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life and legacy of Sivaramakrishnan ``Soma'' Somasegar. Soma was an incredible technologist, entrepreneur, leader, and friend in our community.

Born and raised in southern India, Soma came to the United States to attend Louisiana State University. In 1989, he began his career at Microsoft. Soma played a critical role in Windows NT, one of the most important projects in Microsoft's history. Through his remarkable management skills, dedication, and

work ethic, he rose to senior leadership at Microsoft, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President until 2015. I had the joy of getting to know him during our time at Microsoft together. His infectious smile and warm presence brought energy to every room he entered.

After leaving Microsoft, Soma devoted himself to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs as a managing director at Madrona Venture Group, where he guided countless startups and helped strengthen our region's innovation ecosystem.

Beyond his professional achievements, Soma was deeply committed to his community. As the proud cofounder of the Seattle Orcas, he helped bring professional cricket to the Pacific Northwest and shared his love of the sport with many in our region. He was also a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, supporting organizations at every level that worked to expand equity and opportunity.

But above all, Soma's greatest joy was his family. His wife, Akila, and two daughters were the center of his world. He spoke of them often with great admiration, gratitude, and boundless pride. Everything he accomplished was grounded in love for them. To know Soma was to know how much they shaped him, supported him, and inspired him. It is their strength, love, and example that carry forward the legacy of a man who gave so much to his community, his colleagues, and his country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and remembering Soma's remarkable legacy. His family, friends, and colleagues will cherish his kindness and wisdom for years to come.