Harris kicks off county commission campaign

On April 5, Allyn resident William Harris kicked off his campaign for Mason County Commission with a fundraiser at a home in LakeLand Village.

Harris, a Republican, is running for the seat representing District 1, occupied by Randy Neatherlin, an independent. Neatherlin on Wednesday told the Journal he is "leaning toward" seeking a fourth term.

This is the first campaign for public office for Harris, a LakeLand Village resident who last month announced his intention to appear on the November ballot.

"I'm excited, I'm dedicated, I'm here to serve," the 61-year-old Harris said in an interview with the Journal on Tuesday. "This decision was not made lightly."

Harris said he was approached by people who suggested he compete for the commission seat. He said he and his wife discussed the move and prayed before he decided to run.

Harris spent 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a colonel. He had three overseas tours and multiple deployments, including the Gulf War and Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

Harris said that as a colonel, he was entrusted with 1,000 employees and a $100-million annual budget to provide engineering, public works, logistical, security, fire protection, lodging and food services. Harris said that as public works director in the military, he and his team maintained and operated a $3.4-billion facility and infrastructure that served a community of 25,000 military members and their families.

Harris now works as a consultant as a registered management professional. He is a certified project management professional and risk management professional.

Harris said the collaborative skills used in those jobs will bs useful as a county commissioner.

The challenges in Mason County include public safety, mental illness, drug addiction and increasing homelessness, Harris said. Navy dry docks are being built in Bremerton, and an estimated 40,000 to 45,000 new residents produced by those jobs will bring new residents to a Mason County that needs to prepare for growth, he said.

"It's all of these combined I see as a challenge ... One affects the other," he said.

The Puyallup native said he first came to Mason County in 1973 when he camped on the beach at Boy Scouts of

America Camp Hahobas in Tahuya. His parents own property in Tahuya, where the Harrises have enjoyed time with their four children.

The other seat up for grabs in the November election is the District 2 position. Kevin Shutty in February announced he will not seek another term. Tom Beben, an independent, and Richard Beckman, a Republican - both downtown Shelton businessmen - are seeking the seat.