Mount Rainier mayor reassures residents after election, pledges continued advocacy

Mayor Selena Benitez addressed residents in a post‑election message during the Nov. 19 virtual work session, telling the community Mount Rainier "will continue being who we are" and pledging ongoing advocacy at federal, state and local levels. She said the city will offer smaller, private conversations for residents who feel unsafe attending in‑person meetings and urged neighbors to support one another.

The mayor described outreach she and city officials have undertaken with county and state partners and said those relationships will continue regardless of changes at the federal level. "I am an Afro Latina, an immigrant, and I will continue advocating for you as your mayor," she said, noting the city’s commitment to environmental protection, education and human‑rights work. As an example of local service, the mayor said volunteers recently helped assemble about 500 food baskets for residents.

The remarks were framed as reassurance to residents concerned about the election outcome; the mayor encouraged people to sign petitions, write letters or otherwise engage through channels they are comfortable using. She asked the council and staff to continue using existing networks to advocate for Mount Rainier, and repeated that city services and staff will remain available to residents regardless of political changes.

The mayor did not propose new ordinances or formal policy actions during the remarks. The council moved on to the next agenda item after the address; follow‑up engagement opportunities were referenced but no formal votes were recorded on the mayor’s suggestions.