Natalie Harris, who is seeking a third term on Glasgow’s town council, describes herself as “the most transparent member of the current Council,” adding that she will “continue to push for transparency” in part by recording Council meetings and posting them online for people to watch.
“Whether I win or lose this election, I will always stand up for the people of Glasgow in any way that I can,” she told The News-Gazette. “I regularly attended and participated in Council meetings for 12 years before running for a seat. During those years, I was often the lone speaker during public comment. Whether I had an issue or not, I always spoke on behalf of the citizens who did not feel comfortable coming forward themselves.”
She said that she decided to run for another term so she could “continue representing the citizens of Glasgow by listening to their opinions, being transparent with them about town business, voicing their concerns to town officials at Council meetings, and voting in a manner in which I think the majority of the citizens would want me to.”
Harris was born and raised in Glasgow, and though she moved away and lived in other places, she said that Glasgow “has always been my home.” She moved back in 2010 and has lived there since.
“I love that I am a native of such a beautiful place,” she said. “I love that I live among family, former classmates, lifelong friends and overall good folks.”
In addition to her previous two terms on Town Council, Harris has previously served on the town’s Revitalization Committee and the town’s Planning Commission, helping to draft and adopt the town’s current Comprehensive Plan while on the latter. She also worked as an energy assistance worker for the Rockbridge Area Department of Social Services for five years and is a former secretary of the Concerned Citizens of Glasgow community group.
The most pressing issue facing the town, Harris said, is its financial need. She specifically noted the ongoing work at the town’s wastewater treatment plant, but acknowledged that there are a variety of issues that the town needs funding in order to address. Grant funding would provide some relief, she added, but the town is currently unable to apply for grants as it needs to obtain a completed audit first.
“That is very concerning for the future of our water system,” she said. “There are many other issues, of course, but most could be easily solved with much-needed funding.
“There are always issues and concerns in keeping a town running and healthy,” she added. “I am willing to tackle anything that we have to face in our little town that we know and love.”
