LYNNWOOD — Lynnwood City Councilmember Isabel Mata apologized Thursday for remarks she made at a City Council meeting last Monday in which she said a pride flag was more personally relatable to her than the American flag, a statement that has drawn criticism from hundreds of residents and veterans.
In a statement sent directly to the Lynnwood Times, Councilwoman Mata addressed the community as a neighbor and longtime resident who ran for office out of love for Lynnwood. She acknowledged speaking “from a very personal place” as a queer woman but said the public comments caused real hurt.
“I said that a pride flag is more relatable to me personally than the American flag,” she wrote. “I was speaking from a very personal place … But I said it from a public dais, and the way I said it caused real hurt, and I owe you an apology for that.”
Mata offered a direct apology to veterans and military families in the city.
“You carried that flag. You watched it draped over the caskets of people you loved,” she said. “My words should have reflected that weight, and they didn’t. I am sorry.”
She described the American flag as “a promise: that no matter who you are or where your story begins, you can build a life here, serve your community, and belong.” Her intent, she said, was to ask whether Lynnwood — the most diverse city in Snohomish County — could find ways to “add to how we celebrate who Lynnwood is today” without replacing or diminishing existing symbols. She called her delivery “clumsy” and said the topic deserved more care and community input.
Mata also added that the fact that America is a place “where a queer American woman can run for office and win,” is proof that the country’s promise is working towards a more perfect Union.
She condemned the wave of abusive messages and calls she has received since the publishing of the video of her comments by the Lynnwood Times, listing slurs including “faggot,” “retard,” “jew pig” and “cunt.”
The reason for her sharing the comments she added is not for shock value, but to highlight it in “plain daylight,” that disagreement is welcome, but abuse is not.
“I am committed to earning your trust, all of yours, through the work I do in this seat,” she concluded. “I hope you will hold me to that.”
Councilwoman Mata’s response following her criticism of the American flag in its entirety
I want to speak to you directly, not as a headline, but as your neighbor.
I have lived in this community. I have walked these streets, shopped at these stores, and sat across from many of you at community events. And when I ran for this seat, I did so because I love Lynnwood and believe in what it can be. So, I want to be honest with you about what happened last Monday.
I said that a pride flag is more relatable to me personally than the American flag. I was speaking from a very personal place, as a queer woman, about what that symbol means to me in my own life. But I said it from a public dais, and the way I said it caused real hurt, and I owe you an apology for that.
I want to speak especially to the veterans and military families in our community. You carried that flag. You watched it draped over the caskets of people you loved. You know what it cost in a way that most of us never will. My words should have reflected that weight, and they didn’t. I am sorry.
To me, the American flag represents a promise: that no matter who you are or where your story begins, you can build a life here, serve your community, and belong. That promise is worth protecting, and worth honoring far more carefully than I did in that moment.
What I was trying to raise, clumsily, and I own that, was a simple question: as the most diverse city in Snohomish County, are there ways we can add to how we celebrate who Lynnwood is today? Not replace or diminish anything, but add to it. That conversation deserves more care and more community input than I gave it.
Lynnwood is a place where a queer American woman can run for office and win. That is not a small thing. That is the promise of this country working exactly as it should. And I do not take that for granted for a single day.
I also need to say something I will not soften. Since this video was shared, I have received messages, emails, and calls calling me “vile scum of the earth,” faggot, retard, jew pig, and cunt. I could go on. I am sharing these words not for shock value, but because they deserve to be seen in plain daylight. This is the reality of being a woman in public office. It is unacceptable, it is cowardly, and I will not respond to anyone who communicates that way — not now, not ever. Disagreement is welcome; abuse is not.
I am committed to earning your trust, all of yours, through the work I do in this seat. I hope you will hold me to that.
With respect and gratitude,
Isabel Mata, Lynnwood City Councilmember
Author: Mario Lotmore
4 Responses
She can try and backtrack all she wants, this is who she really is.
You need to apologize to Veterans that have served and are serving to protect this Great Country. The best apologize would be you leaving this Great Country and bring your queer friend with you. From a Coast Guard Veteran.
My suggestion she should resign immediately. Without our great national flag, we don’t have our greatest nation. The pride flag should not be allowed in any public places.
She violated her oath and needs to be removed from office immediately.