By Pat Doyle The publication GOVERNING is honoring Rep.Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, as one of eight state and local officials cited as 2009 Public Officials of the Year for their leadership. "Their examples prove that strong, smart leadership is possible in the most difficult of circumstances," said GOVERNING Editor Alan Ehrenhalt. Other winners include Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Youngstown, Ohio Mayor Jay Williams and Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed. Kahn was honored for being "a force in state government for more than 35 years, passing landmark legislation on air pollution, computer crime and women's rights." www.GOVERNING.com/POY