AUGUSTA —  At their annual conference this fall the National Association of Social Workers honored Rep. Margaret Rotundo of Lewiston with their Legislator of the Year award for 2012 citing her commitment and dedication to the well-being of Maine’s most vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly, women and children.

“During her years in public office, Rep. Margaret Rotundo has been an articulate and steadfast champion for Maine’s most vulnerable citizens” said Susan Lamb, executive director of NASW. “She looks out for those who have the most challenging of life circumstances and she has broad credibility among her colleagues in the House when she speaks. People respect her and follow her leadership.

“We honor her this year for all that she has done to protect the most vulnerable and to stand strong, principled and steady in the midst of intense economic and political pressure to make the most expedient decisions, without regard to consequences. Rep. Rotundo works hard to give people a path to an education, a plan for upward mobility and a secure and independent life.”

Rotundo came to the awards luncheon and made brief remarks to the gathering of social workers from throughout Maine. Other awardees this year included Jennifer Lunden of Portland, Social Worker of the Year; Mary Farrar of Solon, Citizen of the Year; and Crisis and Counseling of Augusta, Agency of the Year.