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Published on January 13, 2025
Rob Harris Joins Hillsboro City Council Bringing Legal Expertise and a Vision for Community ProsperitySource: City of Hillsboro

Hillsboro's civic tapestry has been embroidered with a fresh pattern; Rob Harris, newly minted as a member of the City Council follows a long tenure of public service with a seat in the council chambers. First sworn in on January 7, Harris will offer his legal expertise and proven community commitment to the governing body through January 2029, as reported by Hillsboro's official website.

Prior to his current role, indulging in his passion for public defense, Harris forged a non-profit public defense consortium, having served as executive director before his retirement in 2023. As Hillsboro announces, his contribution to Hillsboro's various boards like the Library Board and the Library Foundation Board, and his involvement in the School Bond advisory committee, have cemented his presence in the community. Serving as the chair of a task force on the future of public defense, he was then, appointed by the Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice to serve on the Oregon State Public Defense Commission in 2023, his experience in jurisprudence and civic planning will likely influence his perspectives on the Council.

With a background that lays between the shelves of law books and the gavel of judicial discourse, Councilor Harris brings a notable record to the table. After starting his law career in a medium-sized firm, he advanced to positions such as Deputy District Attorney, and Municipal Court Judge, eventually founding his own law firm which grew to employ a team of legal practitioners. Citing his words from Hillsboro's website, Harris articulated, “I have always felt it was a blessing to be able to serve my community.” The sentiment underscores his decision to step into the political arena.

Harris, animated by the desire to engage every corner of Hillsboro, plans to be a transparent force on the Council. In an ambition vocalized to Hillsboro's communication team, he aspires for a legacy leaving “every person in Hillsboro is more prosperous, happier, and more content”. His determination to understand the struggles, concerns, and issues faced by residents might well become the compass guiding his tenure.

Apart from the legislator’s vision and vocational narrative, for those curious about the man behind the Council desk, Harris lists music, both the playing and experiencing of live acts, as a favored leisure pursuit along with a taste for spy novels and biographies. Nostalgically, he inclines toward the time-honored narrative of "The Godfather II" and finds solace in the waves crashing against Cannon Beach. Not just a man of law and order, Councilor Harris finds refuge in the simpler joys of life—perhaps a reflection of the very constituents he now pledges to serve.