Letters Of Support For Marian Harris
I am happy to support the re-election of State Rep. Marian Harris for the 19th District of the Ohio House of Representatives.
At this critical point-with a national and state recession of unprecedented strength and duration-Ohio needs political leaders of experience and vision. The devastating effects of this recession on our state's economy will not be addressed by simple-minded prescriptions such as eliminating the state income tax. Ohio will work its way out of this recession and put people back to work by planning for an economic future that emphasizes technology, education, and the infrastructure to support new business.
The 19th District is fortunate to have Marian Harris as our representative. Among those competing for this seat in the General Assembly, Marian alone has the knowledge of state issues and the experience in state government to successfully address our economic future.
Since her election, Marian has worked tirelessly in the General Assembly to address issues of statewide importance-such as domestic violence-but has also been visibly present in every corner of her district, meeting constantly with her constituents and hearing their concerns.
She also has been a true advocate for the municipalities in her district, both keeping us informed of developments at the state level that affect cities and aiding us in our relations with state government. My own city, Westerville, has been the beneficiary of her advocacy for her district.
The re-election of Marion Harris to the Ohio House of Representatives is critical to the recovery of our state and district from this recession. I strongly support her re-election.
-- Craig Treneff, Westerville City Council Member
Rep. Harris has shown great leadership in her term in our District. Her guidance has produced results that have benefited Canal Winchester and its constituents in funding opportunities and representation to many state, regional, county and local agencies. Her continued support through SWACO policy decisions and the government funding cycles have been invaluable to the Village of Canal Winchester.
The recent District Leadership meeting hosted by Rep. Harris was a testament to her continued support to her district and the State of Ohio. The opportunity to meet with several state agencies produced the opportunity for her district's communities to open up new channels of communication and understanding which had not be available.
-- Chris Strayer, Development Director, Village of Canal Winchester
"State Representative Harris went to bat for the Village in our time of need in a way that went well beyond the normal call of duty. State Representative Harris is accessible, responsive, and routinely goes out of her way to keep local government officials informed about what's happening at the State level."
-- Bruce Jarvis, Former Canal Winchester Council, 1996-2010
The Southeastern Franklin County Chamber of Commerce appreciates all that District 19 State Representative Marian Harris has done for her District.
Marian has been willing to meet early on in her term with all three area Villages and the Township. She has continued to meet with the Villages and the Township on issues and shows her support of their issues. She is visible in the southeast community at a variety of meetings and community events.
Ms. Harris has been an active Chamber member since the beginning, attending a variety of meeting and events. Also she has donated items for door prizes and silent auctions at our Chamber events.
-- Robert Garvin, President, SEFC Chamber of Commerce
"State Representative Marian Harris is an outstanding member of the Ohio legislature. She is involved in issues that affect everyday residents of our community and throughout the state - fighting for children, fighting for affordable access to healthcare, fighting everyday for jobs. Representative Harris listens to people to gather all of the information needed to make responsible decisions for her district. I have called her and worked with her on several issues and have found her to be accessible and responsible."
-- Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown
"Marian Harris is one of the only "real" people I know in any elected governmental position. Anyone who votes for her and elects her can feel proud to have her represent them no matter what the issue. She cares about all people and children and has our best interest at heart."
-- Barb Wills
"I really like that you are a State Rep helping people. I just wish you were in my district. It would be nice to have you as my Rep."
-- Katherine Giacomelli-Butcher
"I have known Marian for many years in a political context. She has always been an effective campaign organizer. Because of the nature of the House District in which she would have to run, I was skeptical of her chances of winning. Polling I conducted for her suggested a slim chance but only with truely extraordinary effort. She made the effort and she won. And she has been an effective legislator. I gladly recommend Marian."
-- Hugh Clark
"I worked with Marian when we were both a part of the Help End Lead Poisoning Coalition. She is dedicated to helping families that have been affected by lead poisoning and dedicated to preventing lead poisoning, as well. She does not give up on a cause that she believes in."
-- Melissa Mathias
"Marian is a dedicated public servant, and has been over the years in several positions. I knew her best as a collegue in the Howard Dean for President campaign. She has a firm grasp of political principles, but her own principles are well grounded in a deep respect for the rights of all and her knowledge of how to use government to help ordinary citizens. Now, as a State Representative, Marian is writing a strong new chapter of public service in her district. She is an excellent addition to the Ohio General Assembly and will achieve much there for the people of Ohio."
-- Jack Burgess, former Exec. Dir. of Columbus Education Association
"Rep. Marian Harris is a passionate, dedicated individual and policy maker. She takes the time to really understand and talk with real people that are affected by laws and policies and she is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children, families and adults. It is a pleasure to work with Rep. Harris."
-- Crystal Ward Allen, Exec. Director Public Childrens Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO)
"Marian Harris is an incredible person who truly cares about representing the people in her district the way they want to be represented. She makes every effort to speak to as many of us as possible to find out what we want her to do for us. She deserves our vote in May."
-- Kaye Thompson
"Marian Harris is my State Representative for a new home that my husband and I are building on Clark State Rd. This home will be a national demonstration home and garden to showcase universal design and green building practices. The Universal Design Living Laboratory (www.UDLL.com) project got Harris' attention when I invited her to meet my husband and I to to help us in our educational mission with the house project."
"Not only was she our advocate, but she spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony and presented us with a proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives!"
"She also arranged for my husband and I to make a presentation about our new home to other state representatives."
"Harris is a fireball, ready to support causes that will improve housing design for all people. She also became active in an Ohio Visitability Strategy Group of which I am a member. She has helped the group engage in dialogue with others to support the design and building of homes that have one entrance without steps, wide doors and hallways, and a first floor bathroom that is wheelchair accessible."
"Harris is approachable and sincere in her commitment to serve. I'm happy to recommend her and look forward to watching her career and the impact she will have in the community."
-- Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., President, Rossetti Enterprises Inc.
If anyone hasn't taken the opportunity to meet Marian Harris, they are missing out on a treasure.
I met with her again Feb. 20 at one of her Java Central coffee meetings in Westerville. She continues to plan meetings at convenient times in Westerville, Canal Winchester and Reyoldsburg, and also visits with people at local fairs and events. She also sends newsletters.
This time, we discussed the proposed train route from Cincinnati to Cleveland, health care issues and legislation -- including the differences between hospital bills that insurance companies pay compared to the bill that an uninsured person would be charged -- and support of breastfeeding women who return to work. Marian is a true wealth of knowledge regarding many issues, has experience and advocates for her constituents.
Please take the opportunity to meet Marian before we vote again for a state representative. With Marian, we have a state representative who takes the time to discuss my concerns, explains legislative issues openly and honestly, and cares about the issues that concern most of us. She has worked hard and has earned another term in office!
-- Connie Gelfer
Marian is a common sense advocate with a keen sense of the most critical issues facing Ohioans today--from jobs to health care to children's rights. She is an ethical and fearless leader, willing to take on entrenched interests to fight for what's right."
-- Pari Sabety
Rep. Harris ... members of the United Methodist Community Ministries Advocacy Task Force and I were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you today.
Being with you confirmed for them the glowing description I had shared with them in advance. You are, in your genuine and compassionate approach to critical issues impacting vulnerable Ohioans, an exemplary public official and all around good person.
Thank you!
-- Bob Erickson, Director, Hunger Network in Ohio
The Board of Trustees of Blendon Township would like to take this opportunity to commend you for your help with our on-going water rate increases issue.
Your personal involvement and efforts are greatly appreciated. The Blendon Community is a great place to live and with better control of our water expenses, we will continue to grow.
Our Township continues to need your support to help with this unfair practice.
Thank you for supporting this very important cause.
On behalf of the Blendon Township Board of Trustees,
-- Stewart L. Flaherty, Chairman
Rep. Harris has very dedicated to her constituents in the Village of Groveport. The Village Administration tried to get the Ohio Dept. of Development to assist in arranging a meeting between the PUCO, AEP and representatives of a local business to see if there was anything that could be done to help them with the structure of their electric rates. Rep. Harris was successful in getting all the necessary parties together to discuss this situation.
Rep. Harris assisted the Village of Groveport in getting in touch with BUSTR [Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations] to expedite the requested review of an old gas station that needed to be cleaned up.
There is a local church that provides the community with a free lunch to anyone that would like to join them on the last Saturday of each month. Rep. Harris assisted serving the guests on several of the Saturdays. She made herself available to come to the Groveport Apple Butter Day and visited with many people and listened to their concerns. In addition, Rep. Harris held coffee sessions with the residents of Groveport. Residents asked questions and Rep. Harris did a good job bringing the residents up to date on what was happening in our State Government.
-- Donna Drury, Resident of Groveport
I just wanted to take this time to thank you for all that you do representing our district and representing the state of Ohio. You are an excellent representative and very hard working for your constituents I am praying for your success! Again, thank you so much and keep up the great work for the people of the state of Ohio!!
-- A Constituent from Reynoldsburg
