Ertha Harris: Bringing Solutions and Opportunities to the 12th District

Source: www.erthaharris.blogspot.com

I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Ertha Harris - a long-time Baltimore power broker and community leader who is looking to claim the vacant 12th District seat in the Baltimore City Council.

LP: Who is Ertha Harris?

EH: I am a native of Baltimore and a proud product of the Baltimore City Public School System. I have lived in Baltimore for 50 years. For 15 of those years, I have lived in East Baltimore. A home owner in the 12th District, a parent, a business owner and a community-leader, I have a long history of community service to the citizens of Baltimore.

LP: Why are you the right woman for the job?

EH: I am the right woman for the job because I meet all of the qualifications for this position. Plus, I bring added experience and expertise to the table. I have worked in the community since 1999 starting with projects run by the late City Councilwoman Bea Gaddy. Bea Gaddy was a great inspiration to me. She helped me understand the importance of providing service to the community and in understanding the importance of relationships in meeting the needs of Baltimore residents. What I loved most about Bea Gaddy is that she was helping people out long before she became a City Council person. She taught me that it is all of our responsibility to get involved and take action. She also taught me how to be an advocate for the community which prompted my involvement in various citizen campaigns.

LP: What experience do you bring to the table?

EH: I have a solid track record of supporting community-driven efforts that engage Baltimore residents in solution-oriented actions resulting in positive community change. I have supported resident action on a variety of issues including education (The Thornton Bill) and the Environment (advocating for stronger school policies to protect children from lead poisoning). My platform issues - if I am selected to serve the 12th District in the Baltimore City Council - will include education, health and public safety.

LP: What qualities will you bring to this position if you are appointed the next City Council Person for the 12^th District?

EH: The following wisdom points guide my everyday practice and interaction with residents, friends, family and community partners:

Integrity – Integrity means everything to me. I am a woman of my word. I am a doer. People know they can depend on me because I am trustworthy and committed to helping others.
Excellence – The strive toward excellence drives me. In everything I do, I try to be the best. I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors and other great leaders. I look at it as a continuation and a responsibility for continuing greatness. The 12^th district deserves nothing but the best.
Leadership - I have always been in leadership positions in the community. I currently serve as the chair of several community-based organizations.
Versatility - I bring the ability to work with various organizations at the local, national and community-based levels . I have experience working with people from all different backgrounds.
Passion – There is a real disconnect between the government and the community. And like President Barack Obama, I want to see change. I understand that I have the power to make change. That’s why I decided to run for this position.
Commitment – I am in it for the long haul. I am not the person who moved out of the neighborhood because of the crime. I decided to stay in District 12 to make a difference in the community and serve as a personal example to the youth in my neighborhood.
Entrepreneurial Spirit – I am a business owner who is helping to provide financial literacy to residents throughout my community. I want to help citizens live the American dream and understand that they, too, can have the best of both worlds –running a successful business and meeting the needs of the general community.

LP: Since the decision to fill the 12 District seat falls on the nominating committee which is made up of 10 Baltimore City Council Members, what can the citizens of Baltimore do to support you on 2/23?

FP: I need the people of Baltimore to call 410-396-3100 to speak with their City Council member or go to www.baltimorecitycouncil.com to send an email to request that I be selected as the new 12^th District City Council person.

I also need community residents to speak on my behalf today (2/23) at a 5 p.m. Public Hearing at City Hall (4th floor) located 100 N. Holiday Street.

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