Joe Frank Harris

Joseph Franklin Harris is a former American politician and businessman who served as the 78th governor of Georgia from 1983 to 1991. A member of the Democratic Party, Harris is recognized for his significant contributions to education and infrastructure during his time in office. His governorship is marked by various initiatives aimed at improving the state's educational system and enhancing its economic development.

Early life and career

Joe Frank Harris was born on February 16, 1936, in the Atco Mill Village of Cartersville, Georgia. He was the second of three children in the Harris family, with a brother named Fred Harris and a sister named Glenda Harris Gambill. Harris began his higher education at Asbury College before transferring to the University of Georgia, where he graduated in 1958 with a degree in business administration. While at the University of Georgia, he became a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, which contributed to his social and professional network.

After completing his education, Harris returned to Cartersville to join his family's cement business, Harris Cement Products, Inc. The company, which operated from 1940 until 1980, played a significant role in the construction of infrastructure in Georgia, particularly during the late 1970s when it supplied cement for the bridges and overpasses along Interstate 75 from Cobb County to Gordon County.

Harris's political career began in 1964 when he was encouraged to run for a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives. He successfully won the election and served nine consecutive terms from January 3, 1965, until January 11, 1983. During his tenure in the House, he rose to prominence, eventually becoming the chairman of the Appropriations Committee in 1974. His legislative experience and leadership roles helped him build a reputation as a capable and influential figure in Georgia politics.

Governorship

Harris's journey to the governorship began with his campaign in 1982, during which he was initially considered a long-shot candidate. However, he gained significant support from influential political figures, including Tom Murphy, the Speaker of the Georgia House. This backing proved crucial in his primary victory over U.S. Representative Bo Ginn. The campaign was managed by Deloss Walker, a political consultant, with Ike Wayne Reece serving as the executive campaign manager.

Harris officially took office as governor in 1983 and served until 1991. During his time in office, he became known as the "education governor," a title reflecting his commitment to improving educational opportunities in Georgia. One of his notable achievements was the implementation of the Quality Basic Education Act (QBE), which aimed to enhance the quality of education across the state. He also prioritized increasing salaries for teachers, recognizing the importance of attracting and retaining qualified educators.

In addition to his focus on education, Harris was instrumental in several significant infrastructure projects. He oversaw the construction of the Georgia Dome, which would later become a key venue for major events, including the 1996 Summer Olympics, which he played a role in bringing to Atlanta. His administration also established the Technical College System of Georgia, formerly known as the Department of Adult & Technical Education, to provide vocational training and support for the state's workforce.

Harris's governorship was characterized by a commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic development. His policies led to improved bond ratings for the state, and during his tenure, Georgia was recognized as one of the best-managed states in the country by Financial World. He also established the Growth Strategies Commission, which was chaired by Joel Cowan, a prominent developer from Cartersville, to address the state's growth and development challenges.

Policy focus and legacy

Harris's legacy as governor is closely tied to his emphasis on education and infrastructure. His initiatives in these areas have had lasting impacts on the state of Georgia. The Quality Basic Education Act remains a significant framework for educational policy in Georgia, and his efforts to raise teacher salaries have contributed to ongoing discussions about educational funding and teacher compensation.

In addition to his educational reforms, Harris is credited with overseeing the construction of more libraries than any other governor in Georgia's history, reflecting his commitment to expanding access to information and resources for the state's residents. His administration's focus on infrastructure development, particularly in relation to the Georgia Dome and the Technical College System, has helped shape the state's economic landscape.

After serving two terms as governor, Harris continued to contribute to public service and education. He was appointed to the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, where he served for seven years, including two years as chairman. His involvement in higher education continued at Georgia State University, where he worked as an executive fellow and lecturer in the School of Policy Studies from 1995 to 2009.

Harris's contributions to Georgia have been recognized through various honors and memorials. Several locations have been named in his honor, including a portion of U.S. Route 41 through Bartow County, designated as the Joe Frank Harris Parkway. Additionally, the Joe Frank Harris Commons at the University of Georgia and the main entrances to the Georgia Ports Authority and the Georgia State Fairgrounds are also named after him.

In conclusion, Joe Frank Harris's governorship was marked by significant advancements in education and infrastructure, shaping the future of Georgia. His legacy continues to influence the state's policies and development, reflecting his commitment to public service and the betterment of his community.