Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Randy Harris is the mayor of Petersburg who wants to be governor of Indiana.
After visiting the Warsaw Noon Optimist Club Monday, Harris visited the Times-Union newsroom, bringing with him a bright enthusiasm and his common-sense campaign.
"Across the state I hear similar concerns," he said. "Where did the money go? How did we go from a $2 billion surplus to raising taxes? Is there anyone who doesn't believe we pay enough in taxes? We just need to manage the money better."
Harris came to Petersburg as the news director of a local radio station. Two years later, in 1991, Harris, then 25, was elected the state's youngest mayor. As a Republican in a Democrat-dominated county, he is now in his third term as mayor.
Harris said he didn't let politics get in the way of putting the best people into decision-making positions.
That's the common sense he wants to take to the Statehouse.
"We've got to take a more proactive approach to economic development and understand what works in Kosciusko County won't work in Marion County. There are so many cookie-cutter programs in place.
"We need the diversity of smaller businesses using every technological and educational resource available and bring them in line with the direction the community establishes for itself. The state needs to become a facilitator instead of an obstacle to business."
Harris has been traveling the state in his 1998 Chevy Blazer, putting 92,000 miles on the odometer since March.
He has gained the support of basketball greats Bobby Plump and Oscar Robertson who serve as chairman and honorary chairman of his campaign, respectively.
He also gained the attention of ex-Gov. Edgar Whitcomb, who also serves as an honorary chairman.
Harris told about how the town turned Petersburg's infrastructure around just by digging into the problem, replacing and installing water meters and making repairs.
"Just by digging into it and doing what was right, using common sense, we fixed the problems by getting the right people in place to do their jobs.
"At the state level, it's the same thing. It doesn't matter if it's Petersburg, Warsaw or state of Indiana. You plan projects, plan for business and live within your means.
"Never forget the state exists for one reason - to serve the people of Indiana."
He said the state's education policy needs to change by ending unfunded mandates to school corporations.
"Money doesn't solve the problem. Let the teachers teach and quit forcing them to teach ISTEP year-round so we look better on paper.
"I'm a Hoosier, a common person with the unique ability to manage government. My wife is a teacher, we're part of Indiana too. I don't belong to a small clique of politicians. What you see is what you get.
"The state needs to be returned to the people."
Harris carries a unique campaign tool, a 98-page booklet featuring each county with five or six old postcards.
On the Net: harrisforindiana.com
