HARRIS COUNTY: District 5 Commissioners Race, meet Susan Andrews
HARRIS COUNTY, Ga. (WRBL)— Harris County voters are preparing to head to the polls for local races. Two candidates are vying for the District 5 seat on the Board of Commissioners.
Susan Andrews has called Harris County home for 68 years, eight of those years she has spent representing District 5 as county commissioner. Now, she is seeking reelection for another term.
“Harris County citizens have allowed me to serve in various leadership positions for over four decades. They know me. They know my track record. They know that when I dream, I dream one size bigger, as John Maxwell says,” Andrews tells WRBL. “They understand that I’m a visionary leader, that I’m always looking for how to make Harris County better, and they know that I can get those things done.”
Some of the things she’s helped accomplish include expanding access to healthcare by bringing in a Mercer Med clinic, maintaining a stable tax rate, expanding industry at the Northwest Harris Business Park, continuing stipends to Volunteer Fire Departments, and pouring into recreation.
Millage Rate History
2017 | 8.64 |
2018 | 8.63 |
2019 | 9.38 |
2020 | 9.38 |
2021 | 9.38 |
2022 | 9.13 |
2023 | 9.13 |
“One thing that we’re very proud of is the development of [Ellerslie Park],” Andrews shared. “We’ve also paved the Man O’War trail. We have 13 miles of that paved, and our vision is to take it on into Muscogee County to connect with the trail there.”
Andrews says there are just a few miles left to go and she hopes, with additional grant money, that will be completed within this upcoming term if reelected.
Additional recreation projects she has helped in the county include the Soccer Field Complex, Moultrie Park, Pine Mountain Valley Park, and the Community Center Pool.
Her reelection campaign centers around continuing the work she is currently doing; especially when budgeting for first responders.
“We have a low crime rate in Harris County. I’m so appreciative of our sheriff’s department, our first responders, who are always there to help us,” Andrews said. “As a county commissioner, I’m always cognizant of those things when we create a budget that we support those people who support us.”
In Andrews’ tenure the county constructed a new fire training facility, implemented a new 911 system, purchased new vehicles for the Harris County Sheriffs Department, and new ambulances.
Before serving as commissioner, Andrews held superintendent positions with both Harris and Muscogee County School Districts. Plus, she worked with Governor Nathan Deal in education reform managing grant funds. Her fiscal experience continued in the county as a commissioner. She has helped budget the emergency reserve, employed a CFO, implemented a new financial software program, and brought business to the county to help lower property taxes.
Andrews is running against businessowner Brice Patterson. WBRL has reached out to Patterson requesting an interview, we have not received a response.
Early voting for this election begins April 29, election day is May 21.
Additional Reports
March 11, 2024: Most incumbents safe in Harris County, only two contested commission seats | WRBL
March 25, 2024: HARRIS COUNTY: District 4 Commissioners Race, meet Jim Kelly | WRBL
April 3, 2024: HARRIS COUNTY: District 4 Commissioners Race, meet Richie Grantham | WRBL
April 4, 2024: HARRIS COUNTY: District 4 Commissioners Race, meet Bobby Irions | WRBL
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
