Here's the September column from Mayor Jerry Jackson published by the Harrison Daily Times.
What is your vision for Harrison?
Just last month, I spoke to a chamber leadership group and asked, what is your vision? Leaders have a vision, and leadership requires vision. In the late 70s, banker Wayne Clark and the board of Security Bank had a vision to build a new building. It was a beautiful building unlike anything in Harrison, but also the tallest, and it had a glass elevator that became a thrill ride for many children and residents. The great thing about their vision is that nearly 50 years later, it is again a beautiful building and still the tallest one in Harrison. However, the thrill of the glass elevator remains. It has come full circle, beginning with Security Bank and now Signature Bank, with thanks to many, including the J E Durand family, for creating the Durand Center, which is for many events.
So, what is our vision for Harrison? It is to make it the best small town for people to live, work, and play. To make this vision a reality, we must have a plan. Good leaders have a vision and a plan and work the plan. The City of Harrison and others have been working with other community leaders and organizations on quality of life, safety, and economic development.
Quality of Life includes many things, such as infrastructure, water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, and streetlights, to name a few. Most small towns and Harrison is no exception to this. Years ago, materials were not designed to last, so we are replacing much plus improving what we can.
We have been focusing on improving the quality of life, promoting better health, and providing entertainment in our parks.
Of course, Creekside will be the most significant thing Harrison has created, but many other things have been completed, like Wonder Willa Playground along with Canon’s Cove splash pad; our bike trails have gone from zero to two with a third one insight, the sports complex has exceeded expectations with the new turf fields, and the upcoming music venue can give our citizens added entertainment without traveling to other towns.
We continue to appreciate Explore Harrison for adding quality-of-life entertainment, including a hot-air balloon fest, music on the square, car shows, and more. They receive funding from a restaurant and hotel tax and also give grants to organizations that can create things that will add to our tourism.
Other things that add to our quality of life are shopping and restaurants, which we are experiencing nice growth in, especially in the downtown area. I will cover this area next month when reporting on safety and economic development. Still, until then, I must say the quality of life for our community has been and will continue to be a main focus for this administration and, hopefully, many others.
Jerry Jackson moved to the community in 1980 and was voted Mayor in 2018. He ran and won re-election in 2022. Email info@harrisonar.gov to contact the mayor’s office.
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