By Evan Johnson
Jim Harrison has jumped “with two feet” into his new role as state representative for the towns of Killington, Mendon, Chittenden and Bridgewater. The Chittenden resident was selected by Gov. Phil Scott to replace Rep. Job Tate, who resigned from his post for a deployment with the U.S. Navy Seabees earlier this month.
During the balance of his term, Harrison, who is a Republican, said he plans to focus on issues concerning economic growth and keeping state government working efficiently.
“I want to work on things that make Vermont a more attractive place to come to visit and to live and make it more affordable and increase opportunities for all of us,” he said.
Harrison comes from 29 years working for the Vermont Retail and Grocer’s Association, where he was the president. After leaving that position, Harrison said, he was interested in public policy. “I always wanted to get involved with serving the community in whatever capacity,” he said. “This seemed like a good fit.”
Harrison will be visiting each town in the Rutland-Windsor-1 district to hear concerns from residents. The remainder of Tate’s term runs through 2018. Harrison said he intends to be a candidate for a new term next fall as well.
“At the end of the day I hope to end up with a more efficient government where we live within our means, help Vermonters and help our economy,” he said.
