Former state trooper to run for Ward D council spot
A former Virginia State Police lieutenant and American Legion leader announced his candidacy for Waynesboro City Council today.
Michael E. Harris, 62, will run against Ward D incumbent Councilwoman Lorie Smith.
Harris announced his candidacy in front of more than 40 supporters inside City Council chambers.
A self-described conservative, Harris identified job loss and increasing taxes as major concerns in Waynesboro. He said city assets include its available manufacturing sites, proximity to interstates and draw for tourists.
Harris declined to compare himself to Smith or to comment on recent City Council decisions, but said he would provide an “ability to unify.”
“We’re behind the curve dealing with issues,” Harris said.
The candidacy announcement comes less than two weeks after Smith announced her bid for re-election. She won her seat in May of 2006.
Harris is married to Lucy Harris. They have four children and have lived in Waynesboro since 2004.
Read a full report in the Thursday print edition of The News Virginian.
Reader Reactions
Wow. Let me see if I’ve got this right. You go to the trouble of holding a fancy schamcy press conference to announce your candidacy for City Council, and have nothing bad to say about your opponent. In fact, you say that you have the “ability to unify”. Has this guy even watched a Council meeting on TV before? He just described Lorie Smith’s strongest attribute. Maybe he’ll be running on the platform of “Vote for me because I agree with what Lorie Smith has been doing on City Council for 4 years”. Might have to use a smaller font to squeeze it onto those yard signs though.
“A self-described conservative”——-
Exactly what is a “self-described” person, be a conservative or liberal? People are always trying to describe themselves. Might be best to let the public describe our “public servants”.
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