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December 21, 2009

County will miss ‘thinker’ | Citizens were always Harris’ top priority

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Mon Dec 21, 2009, 03:42 PM EST

When businessman Bill Harris announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Cambria County commissioner, he promised voters that, if elected, he would serve full time.

We believe that for the past six years he has honored that promise, even at a time he was fortunate enough to see major growth at his Richland Township funeral home business.

We also believe he has served the residents of this county admirably, including in his support of at least two major decisions that have not sit well with many taxpayers: Selling cash-draining Laurel Crest Manor and privatizing War Memorial operations.

We wholeheartedly supported both moves.

Harris now says he is losing a key employee and must devote more time to his business, and can no longer offer the time the commissioners’ duties demand. He has resigned effective Dec. 31.

We respect his decision, although some may criticize him for seeking a second term he would be unable to complete.

He made it no secret two years ago that, if re-elected, this would be his last term; so perhaps his announcement last week wasn’t a complete surprise.

In a statement, Harris said he had been involved “with many painful and unpopular decisions, but I have tried to make them without fear of losing the next election. Being a business owner has helped me to not fear losing this job because of political pressure. I also kept my promise of not taking a pay raise while in office.”

Yes he did.

Harris has worked well with his Democratic counterparts, P.J. Stevens and Milan Gjurich. In several meetings with our editorial board, Stevens complimented Harris for his valued input and for being “a real thinker” in weighing all the pros and cons before making decisions.

Gjurich last week described Harris as fair, sincere, honest and professional.

“He always kept the citizens of Cambria County as his No. 1 priority,” he said.

“It was an honor and a privilege to have worked with him.”

Such bipartisanship has not always been as evident in the commissioners’ office in the past.

A replacement to finish Harris’ remaining two years will be appointed by the county court.

We don’t expect Harris to disappear from politics or from community activism. For years, he has been particularly visible in serving organizations in the East Hills area, including the fire company and as a Richland Township supervisor for six years before being elected to the county post.

Meanwhile, we join other Cambria County residents in thanking him for his time in the commissioners’ office and wish him continued good fortune with his personal business.

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