Decision 2024: Meet Arthur Lee Harris, candidate for Houston County Sheriff
Early voting began on October 15 and ends on November 1. Election day is November 5.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Matt Moulton and Arthur Lee Harris are on the ballot for Houston County Sheriff.
41NBC’s Monica Diaz-Meek spoke with Arthur Lee Harris ahead of the November 5 election.
Candidate name: Arthur Lee Harris
Running for: Houston County Sheriff
MONICA- Welcome back. Today we have Arthur Lee Harris joining us, who’s running for Houston County Sheriff. Thank you so much for being here.
ARTHUR- Thank you for having me, Monica.
MONICA- I’m excited to have you. It’s a really big election in Houston County. I mean, you guys have not had a new sheriff in over 50 years. How are you feeling?
ARTHUR- Well, I feel happy. I’m glad that time is almost out. The 14 days and the election will be held. And I want to know what the results are and the citizens of Houston County.
MONICA- Now, I have a few questions. First off. What are the main priorities you plan to address if you’re elected, and how will you do that?
ARTHUR- If elected to Sheriff of Houston County, my main priority is going to be the county jail. We got to get that county jail back where we need to be. We got to get a full staff at the county jail. We got to get people to stay, and we got to improve the morale at the county jail. The pay is okay, but we can do better, and we will do better.
MONICA- Now, why do you think that you are the best person for this job?
ARTHUR- I’m the best person because, I’ve been in Houston County all my life. Born and raised. I’m a veteran. I understand Houston County people. And I love Houston County, it’s my home. I grew up there, and I love Houston County. And I’m the best person to be sheriff for Houston County.
MONICA- What’s your reaction to record breaking voter turnout. What does that say about this year’s election cycle to you?
ARTHUR- Great. People are voicing their choice, who they think should be elected to office and who they want in office. And that’s great. Everybody should go out and vote.
MONICA- Now, if elected, what would you plan on changing or implementing? What would people see from you if you’re elected?
ARTHUR- Well, you’d see several things for me. The first thing you going to see is mental health, counselor in the county jail, alcohol counselors. We’re going to protect the senior citizens of Houston County. We’re going to put deputy back in the neighborhood. They’re going to be seen. They’re going to be aware who live in the neighborhood. We have an outbreak, a youth crime, and we got to get it under control. And we’re going to get out, and we’re going to work. I’m a former junior deputy program to for boys and girls up to 18 years old. The officer that working in the in schools going to have more responsibility. We’re going to mentor our kids and we’re going to make our community safe, like it used to be when I was growing up.
MONICA- Why is it so important for you that you serve Houston County through the opportunity of being sheriff?
ARTHUR- Well, I saw a talented hero, my mentor. So, He was born in Bonaire, Georgia. I was born in Bonaire, Georgia, and I just feel like. And when 1 or 2 kids got in trouble at the mall, one died and one will be in jail for the rest of life. Probably. We just got to do something to help our children. We got to make our community safe for everybody. That we made it to international city in the county that we are. And I just feel like I’m. I am the best person can do this here.
MONICA– Thank you so much.
