Opinion/Letter to the Editor
Mukilteo is home to approximately 21,000 residents. We love our community, our schools, and our police department. We enjoy beautiful scenery, hospitality, and quiet neighborhoods in our peaceful way of life which is why Mukilteo was named under then-mayor Joe Marine’s leadership as one of the top ten best small cities in America by Money magazine.
Some politicians, however, seek to create problems where none exist, and pretend to provide solutions. In my opinion Louis Harris is one of those people and should not be on the city council.
I find him deceitful, haughty, agitating and with the earmark of one who wishes a career in politics supported by tax dollars – not merely representing the people of Mukilteo.
Advertisements that Louis has commissioned, ask residents to “reelect” him. The truth is Louis Harris was not elected in the first place, he was placed.
When councilwoman Anna Rohrbough and her family moved out of state, a vacancy was left on the council. Almost immediately work went back to accelerate calls for low-income housing claiming that Mukilteo was not diverse enough.
Black Lives Matters was brought up to march in our neighborhoods and the “diversity” council was deemed necessary for the city.
Harris attempts to position himself as a community organizer; however, his real schtick is to focus and stir up discord in a community where no discord exists. Every issue is pushed through a victim-mentality lens; even when there is no victim, no injury – and clearly no issue.
I have been involved in city council meetings where Louis pretends to position himself as the “grand listener” – yet in reality, he merely visibly tolerates the opinions of residents and then votes against the will of the people.
During one city council meeting, Louis reluctantly, after posing sideways in his chair for most of the evening presumably concerned for the demographic status of our community, had to admit that a Housing Needs Assessment from Berk Consulting which was commissioned and paid for by the council – Mukilteo is in fact a diverse community and one that is truly ahead of community planning standards and objectives.
Some of Harris’ haughty behavior has also been etched on social media where he has advocated for defunding the police and has posted the hashtag #ACAB – which stands for “All Cops Are Bastards.”
We in Mukilteo appreciate and respect our police department. We have enjoyed their support at our events, our schools and our local community events.
As a member of the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce, I can tell you firsthand that our Mukilteo Police Department has been extremely helpful in making sure that our Lighthouse Festival and other events are well trafficked and attended without incident.
The citizens of Mukilteo do not need to have our tax dollars paying the salary of someone who is quick to attack those we respect and work to keep the community safe.
However, like most Marxist leaning politicians with bullhorns, Louis Harris likes to “imagine” and “reimagine” society where the political players redesign authority, and rule of law. And until the time where this type of community has been shaped in their image – those supporting the current rule of law must be demonized by any means necessary.
More power for him. Less respect for you and those you care for.
Mr. Harris’ request of you to vote for him is more victim identity politics. Essentially it boils down to this: Vote for me because I am an openly gay black man.
My response is this: Pathetic. Skin color is not an accomplishment and neither is one’s adult private sexual preference – content of character should be.
In my opinion Louis Harris is an activist and that should be his hobby. He should have explored this on his own time and not on our tax dime.
As a business owner I do not find that he understands the concerns of businesses. Interestingly enough, while purportedly supporting local businesses, Louis Harris’ campaign mailer was produced and mailed from an out-of-state vendor in Florida.
As a Black man, who raises his family in a beautiful, diverse, and respectful neighborhood, I can most certainly say Louis Harris does NOT represent me and the interests of our community.
I will NOT be voting for Louis Harris. I would urge you to save yourself future headaches and send the message of NO as well. Our community needs those who are willing to serve to preserve this unique treasure we call Mukilteo.
Paul Ellis, Mukilteo
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
