Former Councilmember Mike Harris to help fundraise for the Alzheimer's Association

As seen in the October 1st, 2015 edition of the Petaluma Argus-Courier.

Public Service as a way of life

Former Councilman Harris stays active in community.

By Lynn Schnitzer for the Argus Courier

Mike Harris has spent a lot of time connecting with the community in his 21 years in Petaluma.

He says he was drawn to public service because, “I’ve always believed that if you want to make change in your community, you have to be a part of the solution.”

Harris ran for City Council and served three terms, even running for mayor in 2014, a position that went to David Glass. After the 2014 campaign, Harris continued in public service, serving on the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum board of directors. He is currently on the board of directors for the Petaluma Educational Foundation and the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Friends of the SRJC Petaluma Campus Trust and was appointed by second District Supervisor, David Rabbitt, to serve on the Citizens’ Advisory Committee to the Sonoma County Transportation Authority. He is also a member of the Petaluma Elks Lodge Number 901.

For inspiration, Harris looks to prior generations of women in his family.

“My mother and grandmother have inspired me,” he says. “As a single parent when I was growing up, I saw my mother’s tenacity and hard work first-hand and I would like to think that I have learned and applied those attributes to my own life. Of course my grandmother who has Alzheimer’s inspires me. Whenever I see her, she still lights up and recognized me and it brightens my day. “

Harris is helping organize a Classic Car Show at Adobe House to support the Alzheimer’s Association on Oct. 10th. His grandmother’s condition inspired Harris to get involved in this event to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“My immediate goal is to help Adobe House, a memory care community here in Petaluma, that focuses on Alzheimer’s and dementia-affected patients,” he says. “Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. The future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.”

Looking back, Harris says, “One of my greatest accomplishments was being elected to the Petaluma City Council and having the honor of serving the citizens of Petaluma. I met so many people over those 12 years and have created some life-long friendships that I will always be grateful for.”

Based on his experiences, he offers the following advice: “Get involved in the community. We have an incredible community and if you leverage your talents and support a local cause it will make our community even richer,” he says.

To follow Mike on Twitter, go to: www.twitter.com/harrispetaluma

To follow Mike on Facebook, go to: https://www.facebook.com/mikepetaluma

To follow Mike on Instagram, go to: www.instagram.com/harrispetaluma

To follow Mike on Pinterest, go to: www.pinterest.com/harrispetaluma

To follow Mike on his Youtube Channel, go to: www.youtube.com/harrispetaluma

To connect with Mike on Linkedin, go to: www.linkedin.com/in/harrispetaluma

To connect with Mike on Google Plus, go to: www.google.com/+mikeharrispetaluma