With 11 years of service, Harper said that he has built a record of steady common-sense leadership and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. First elected in 2014, he served on a few committees including the Budget Committee as well as the E911 District Board and the Bi County Landfill Board. While serving on the Parks Committee, he was able to help secure a new park for the Sango area, Weakley Park, complete with a 2.26 mile walking trail. He has supported the economic development efforts that have resulted in major employers such as LG Chem, Hankook and Google, which has brought high quality jobs and investment to the community.

He has continued to work on the infrastructure of our local area and has obtained commitments with the help of the Highway department to redo the intersection at Excell Road and Highway 12 after 3 years of hard work. In addition, the intersection of North Woodson and Highway 76, as well as Sango Road, are under discussion as well. These projects will make our community safer and easier to navigate. He was instrumental in getting two petitions signed by all County Commissioners asking for the approval of Ascension Saint Thomas and Tristar Health to build new hospitals in our community. This may easily be one of the most transformative developments in our community’s history.

I will ensure the needs of Montgomery County residents are reflected in the budget by listening before decisions are made, asking clear questions, and focusing taxpayer dollars on core priorities: public safety, roads, infrastructure, parks, schools, and services residents actually use. Growth should pay its fair share, and we need to avoid wasteful spending that increases the burden on families, seniors, and small business owners. I will push for transparency, responsible planning, and better communication so District 15 residents know what is being funded and have a voice before important budget votes happen.

I would prioritize infrastructure projects that improve daily life and reduce pressure from rapid growth. That means safer traffic solutions, better road planning, turn lanes where needed, drainage improvements, pedestrian safety, and making sure utilities, schools, and emergency services can keep up before more development is approved. Clarksville and Montgomery County are growing fast, but growth without infrastructure creates congestion, safety issues, and frustration for residents. I want projects that protect neighborhoods, improve commute times, support public safety, and preserve the character of our community.

The County Commission is the vehicle for connecting citizens to their local government. Citizen's tax dollars entitle them to be heard and consulted regarding items and spending in the annual budget. Additionally, commissioners need to educate themselves on the needs and priorities facing, not just their own district, but county as a whole. I am an educator and musician. Building relationships and teamwork are essential skills in my profession. Commissioners who interact regularly with their constituents and grow connections with their peers on the commission are poised to make budgetary decisions that are wise, fiscally responsible and aim to enhance the community for generations to come.

Clarksville's growing population is leading to increased growth in our county regions. District 15 (Sango and Adams) is a flashpoint for the challenges created by rapid increases in commercial development of high-density housing. Many of our roads are two lanes with no shoulders and they are easily overwhelmed by traffic. Open land in the county cannot be an automatic green light for multi-family housing, leased commercial real estate and high traffic retail business. We would be wise to pump the brakes on construction and re-evaluate how we want our communities to look and feel. We should not sacrifice the great things about Clarksville at the alter for developers, contractors and financiers eager to pillage our open spaces for profit.