YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Yuba City Mayor, Shon Harris, has announced this week that he will seek re-election to the Yuba City Council this fall.  Harris was elected to the Council in 2016 and is currently serving his second term as Mayor.

Harris said he is proud of the work the council has accomplished during his first term.  He added that he will continue that work in conjunction with all city staff and the community during a second term.  “Our efforts will be expedited due to the experience, relationships, and contacts established both internally and externally during my first term,” explained Harris.  “I won’t be starting fresh which means we can hit the ground running and continue working toward accomplishing our goals as a city.”  

A strong proponent of Public Safety, Harris recognizes the extreme significance of the recent tragedies involving law enforcement in the US and added that the law enforcement profession does not and never will stand for discrimination or bias of any kind.  He stated that he stands behind our local law enforcement personnel and does not support the effort to disband or defund our police department.  “Yuba City law enforcement and fire professionals deserve our full support as we prioritize safety, understanding, and equality for all,” said Harris.

Harris expressed his concern for the safety of our community and the economic impacts resulting from COVID-19. “It is important that we work closely with our Bi-County Health Officer to create balance between economic recovery and flattening the curve to avoid a second surge,” Harris explained.  

In addition to his role as Mayor, Harris serves as a board member of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Sutter Buttes Flood Control Agency and Yuba-Sutter Arts and Culture, among others.  He confirmed a strong desire to leverage resources and communications among our local government organizations to tackle regional issues on both sides of the river.  “We all continue to fight many of the same battles,” said Harris.  “It makes sense to develop strategies and structure as a region and pool our collective talent to address issues such as homelessness, public safety, and the economy.” said Harris. 

Harris was born in Yuba City and raised his three grown children here.  He has four grandchildren and one foster son.  In addition to spending quality time with family, he enjoys travelling, hiking, shooting, and fishing.  He is a graduate of Faith Christian High School, and holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Criminal Justice Administration.  His 32 years of public safety experience includes serving as an Emergency Medical Technician for Bi County Ambulance Service and as a corrections deputy with the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department before completing a 23-year career with the California Highway Patrol.  He has 15 years of experience as a supervisor and over 8 years’ experience as a law enforcement manager.  He retired in 2017 at the rank of Captain while serving as the Commander of the Yuba-Sutter Area office of the California Highway Patrol.  

During Harris’ first year as Mayor, the Council identified eight priority areas and began working to achieve progress, including: Public Safety, Fiscal Stability, Organizational Structure, Business Friendly, Enhance Partnerships, Quality of Life, Infrastructure and Homelessness.  Harris led several community workshops focusing on a variety of issues of concern to the public, including the unfunded liability and homelessness.  In an unprecedented move, the City Council unanimously voted to appoint Shon Harris to a second term as Mayor in December of 2019 and he continues to serve in that capacity.