Candidate Q&A: Larry Joe Harris

Larry Joe Harris is running for Milton, Indiana Town Council, At Large as a Democrat candidate in the 2023 general election.

2023 Election Guide

The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the Nov. 7 general election the same nine questions.

1. What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
2. If elected/re-elected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
3. What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/re-elected? (100 words or less.)
4. What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
5. What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
6. Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/re-elected? (50 words or less.)
7. Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
8. If you received a $5 million grant to improve our community any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? (150 words or less.)
9. Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)

Candidates were given a month’s time to respond with a firm deadline. We share their answers, unedited from their original form, here and in our print editions.

For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2023 Election Guide.

Reasons: We are losing a good town councilman.

He is not running for a new term.

I would like to fill his seat and continue what he has been working on, water, Old Milton school lot, renew basketball court, possible tennis court or pickleball, new play park, tree safety and infastructure.

I have been self employed for 40 years as a general contractor and work around this area and surrounding areas. I have been raised and lived in Milton basically 62 years. I have 12 family members that live in Milton. My wife has lived in Milton 40 years and raised her 3 children here. Her parents, aunt and uncles went to Milton School and graduated from here. She went to 6th grade here and her 3 children went here until it closed. Her dad was a sharpshooter basketball player and her mom a cheerleader.

Priorities: Get all new water lines

Infrastructure needs — from fire station, maintenance building and town employees.

Skills: In my business I deal with a lot of numbers and designing of many projects. I will look at all town projects with an open mind so we can work together to make proper decisions for the town.

Working well: All council members are working hard to get our water lines replaced.

Needs changing: I would like to make sure town employees are doing all they can do each week to make sure the town is looking well maintained.

Work with the town employees

Accepting results: Definitely its a rule for all

Involving residents: They will have my phone number

$5 million: Abandoned and blighted properties, large tree trimming around town, infrastructure need — street work, sidewalks, new maintenance building, new fire station. Any money left — Bank it.

Other: If I am not elected I will still attend work shops and town council meetings to share my opinions for the better of the town. I will always support police presence.