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Harris says he'd offer new perspective on council

Joel Harris officially filed his paperwork to run as a Republican in the May primary for the 3rd District County Council seat currently held by Pam Updike.

"In these difficult times there is a very real disconnect between those elected to serve and the people they represent," says Harris.

With involvement in the community through his many activities, Harris has been an active participant and director of programs for at-risk teens, high need children and a variety of other community-based outreach programs in Huntington County, he notes. Harris also works with troubled couples and hurting individuals in the community as a counselor.

"I'm a firm believer in both the ability and the necessity of the community to reach out and help those in need," says Harris.

He has worked for the Bowen Center and Youth Services Bureau and assists as a volunteer at Life Spring Counseling Center and the Huntington University counseling center.

Harris says he considered running for the seat because of the needs he sees in the community and the county.

"It seems every day there is talk of a new tax being proposed or more demands that need to be met," Harris stated. "Lost in this back and forth is consideration for the business owner trying to cover expenses, worker looking for a job and the parent wondering how to make ends meet. With these very real problems before us it is time to consider a fresh face and a conservative, principled perspective in county council," Harris says.

Harris is married to Jennifer Harris, and the couple has a daughter, Aubrey.