Bill Harris (Nebraska politician)
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Bill Harris | |
|---|---|
| 46th Mayor of Lincoln | |
| In office May 18, 1987 – May 20, 1991 | |
| Preceded by | Roland A. Luedtke |
| Succeeded by | Mike Johanns |
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 27th district | |
| In office 1983–1987 | |
| Appointed by | Bob Kerrey |
| Preceded by | Steve Fowler |
| Succeeded by | Stephanie Johanns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Louis William Harris August 8, 1939 Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | January 4, 2011 (aged 71) Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | MarySue Harris |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Nebraska–Lincoln |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Louis William Harris (August 8, 1939 – January 4, 2011) was the 46th mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska, elected in May 1987. Harris previously served in the Nebraska Legislature from 1983 to 1987 after he was appointed by Nebraska Governor Bob Kerrey.[1][2]
Early life, education, and business career[edit]
Harris was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and grew up in the southwestern Nebraska city of McCook.[1] He graduated from McCook Senior High School in 1957, and from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1961.[3] During college in the early 1960s, he is reported to have served as a "houseboy" at the Governor's mansion of Governor Ralph G. Brooks, where he met President John F. Kennedy.[2]
From 1969 to 1974, he taught economics and social studies at Lincoln East High School.[3] Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Harris also pursued a number of business ventures including Ag Land Realty Inc.; Harris Brothers Partnerships Inc., which managed farming and ranching activities in McCook; a clothing store chain called Lots to Love; Uncle Sam's Fireworks; and Harris Brothers Oil, a firm involved in oil leasing and exploration.[3][2] He also served on the board of directors of the Nebraska Bank of Commerce and Nebraska Heavy Industries.[2]
Political career[edit]
Nebraska Legislature[edit]
In 1970, Harris campaigned for a seat in the Nebraska Legislature for the 38th district, which included the city of McCook.[2] His attempt was unsuccessful, as he came in fourth in the primaries, failing to advance to the general election and losing to Richard Lewis who would eventually go on to win the seat.[4]
In 1983, Harris was appointed to the Nebraska Legislature by Nebraska Governor Bob Kerrey to replace Steve Fowler, who had resigned so that Kerrey could appoint him as the head of the Policy Research Office.[5][6] Harris was elected in his own right to the seat in 1984.[7] While serving in the Legislature, he chaired the Retirement System Committee and served as a member of the Education Committee, the Public Works Committee, and the Banking and Finance Committee.[2]
Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska[edit]
In 1987, Harris ran for mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska, challenging incumbent mayor Roland A. Luedtke. Harris was successful in his upset bid, and became Lincoln's mayor in May 1987 after resigning his seat in the Nebraska Legislature.[7] While serving as Lincoln's mayor, Harris was responsible for spearheading construction projects and redevelopment, including annexing the bankrupt Highlands neighborhood and building a public golf course there, renovating Pershing Auditorium, and rejuvenating the warehouse district into the Haymarket business and entertainment district in downtown Lincoln.[1][8] Harris also formed the Economic Development Department for the city of Lincoln.[7]
In 1990, while mayor of Lincoln, Harris ran for Governor of Nebraska, but he came in fourth in the Democratic primary, losing to Ben Nelson, who went on to win the general election.[7] In 1991, Harris ran for re-election as mayor of Lincoln but lost to then-Lincoln city councilman Mike Johanns.[9]
Later career[edit]
After serving as Lincoln's mayor, Harris served on the Nebraska Economic Development Commission from 1992 to 2004 after being appointed by Governor Ben Nelson.[2][1]
Electoral history[edit]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bill Harris | 22,369 | 59% | |
| Republican | Roland A. Luedtke (incumbent) | 15,496 | 41% | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Johanns | 19,909 | 54% | |
| Democratic | Bill Harris (incumbent) | 16,758 | 46% | |
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Connie Jo Discoe (January 5, 2011). "Former state senator, Lincoln mayor Bill Harris dies at 71". McCook Gazette. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Louis William 'Bill' Harris", Roper and Sons Funeral Home, January 4, 2011, retrieved April 6, 2023
- ^ a b c "L. W. Harris will succeed Sen. Fowler". Lincoln Journal. May 27, 1983. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ "Legislative Races". Omaha World-Herald. May 14, 1970. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ "Fowler admits he'll quit Unicam soon". Lincoln Star. May 25, 1983. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ Kathleen Rutledge (May 28, 1983). "Sen. Harris: Noe more tax hikes". Lincoln Evening Journal. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Nancy Hicks (January 5, 2011). "Former mayor Harris dies". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ "Harris remembered with affection, respect". Lincoln Journal Star. January 6, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ a b Donna Biddle (May 8, 1991). "Johanns out polls Harris". Lincoln Star. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ Reid Warren (May 6, 1987). "Harris defeats Mayor Luedtke". Lincoln Star. Retrieved April 6, 2023.