Mattawa residents express concerns: Fear of retaliation, hostility cited; administrative assistant resigns

MATTAWA — A few community members expressed concerns about the city of Mattawa and mayor firing Police Chief Joe Harris at a city council meeting Thursday.

Lorraine Jenne, president of the Wahluke School District board, said during the virtual meeting she was speaking for those who were afraid to speak for themselves due to the fear of retaliation.

“It’s alarming what’s going on in the city,” Jenne said. “What process is available to city employees who feel intimidated? I’ve heard from so many that want to speak out and can’t. Mayor (Maggie) Celaya has shut down the voice of community members. Government works for the people, and the community doesn’t feel that this city government is working for them.”

Jenne cited a statement posted Feb. 25 on the city’s website: threatening or intimidating a public employee is a Class B felony, as stated in RCW 9A.76.180. Jenne asked what happens when the threatening and intimidating comes from public officials.

She also expressed her disappointment over the firing of Harris and read part of a list stating the positive things Harris had done for the Mattawa community.

“The community has gone from one of the highest murder rates in the nation per capita to the safest in Grant County,” Jenne said. “He has built a police department that focuses on the community.”

Jenne finished her public comment by asking what the city was going to do to replace Harris and stating the city had insufficient police. She reiterated she was speaking out for those who were scared to do so for fear their livelihood would be at risk.

“No one’s voice should be shut down because of intimidation,” Jenne said.

Another community member, Seth Weeks, said he agreed with Jenne.

“I feel we had a lot of positive going a year ago,” Weeks said. “It quickly fell apart.”

As a school board member, he was concerned about how the contract the Wahluke School District had with the city for two school resource officers (SRO) would proceed in the future. The city has provided one SRO due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on police training schedules.

“Harris promised a second SRO,” Weeks said. “I’m afraid we’re not going to get the second one promised to us.”

He also said the city is not doing anything to provide parks and recreation to the youth in Mattawa and the school district is bearing the load. He referenced the City of Othello and the recreation and sports programs provided for youth.

Weeks concluded by saying under the leadership of Mayor Celaya, appointed Nov. 25, 2020, after the resignation of the former mayor, graffiti and gang issues in town worsened.

“It is disheartening to see what is happening to our community,” Weeks said.

Also during the meeting, Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police Norma Avalos resigned.

In her resignation letter, which she read to the city council, she said the reason for leaving was the hostile work environment created by the mayor’s office. She said health and daily life were suffering. Avalos said during her time at the police department, she had “gained great experience” and was “grateful for the amazing community” of Mattawa.

“It hurts me tremendously knowing that I will no longer serve this amazing community and am leaving this great team behind,” Avalos said.