Staff report
Rep. Jim Harrison, reprsenting Chittenden, Bridgewater, Killington and Mendon, announced his candidacy for the Rutland-Windsor-1 district.
Harrison, 65, was appointed to the Legislature by Gov. Phil Scott last April to fill the uncompleted term of former Rep. Job Tate, who was deployed by his U.S. Navy Reserve unit.
“I think things happen for a reason,” said Harrison. “It was an opportunity when he stepped down.”
Harrison said his job is “unfinished” in Montpelier.
“We need people that are willing to serve and that have the ability to serve this state,” he said. “I think I fit that. I know the system, I know the process and I think I can be an effective voice for the district.”
Harrison lives in Chittenden. He was formerly the president of the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association and now works “very part time” in the pro shop at Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington during the summer.
Harrison is the only candidate, so far, running for the Rutland-Windsor-1 district.
Though this past session was challenging, Harrison said he wants to run to bring balance to the State House.
“We need to spend more time figuring out how to improve the economy of Vermont so that everybody benefits. I don’t think we’re putting enough focus on that,” he said.
