CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Andrea Harper says her previous experience on the Habersham County Board of Commissioners positions her to return to the role at a critical time for the county.
Harper is one of two candidates seeking the District 2 seat in the May 19 election, facing Shelley Tullis in the race to replace outgoing Commissioner Dustin Mealor. Unlike the District 3 seat, which will be filled immediately, the District 2 winner will take office in January after Mealor’s term expires.
Harper previously served eight years on the commission before stepping away, citing a personal commitment to term limits.
“I’m a firm believer in term limitations,” Harper said. “After my two terms, I decided that was it.”
She said encouragement from community members ultimately led her to run again.
“I’ve been encouraged — almost browbeaten — to come back,” she said.
Returning at a pivotal time
Harper said the open District 2 seat and the number of major issues facing the county made this the right time to return to public service.
“Habersham County is going through a very pivotal time,” Harper said. “There’s a lot happening.”
She said her previous experience allows her to step back into the role without a learning curve.
“I know how to do the job,” she said. “I know the players, and I still have my contacts.”
Harper said that familiarity would allow her to immediately begin working on key issues.
“There’s no learning curve,” she said. “I can walk right in and go to work.”
Concerns over development code
Harper said she has significant concerns about the county’s proposed Unified Development Code and does not believe the current draft strikes the right balance.
“I’m not in love with this new ordinance,” Harper said.
She said the proposal raises questions about how the county balances growth management with private property rights.
“There’s a very fine line here,” she said.
While acknowledging the county’s goal of managing growth, Harper said she believes the current version of the ordinance is too complex and not ready for adoption.
“It’s ambiguous. It’s confusing. It’s more than 200 pages long,” she said.
Harper said that if she were currently serving on the commission, she would not support the proposal in its current form.
“I would vote no,” she said.
She also suggested the draft could benefit from additional review by the planning board.
“I think it needs more work,” Harper said. “There are a lot of details that still need to be worked out.”
Harper noted that public engagement has increased only recently as the proposal has moved closer to a vote.
“Unfortunately, sometimes people don’t get involved until it affects their own world,” she said. “But this is going to affect everybody.”
Timing of a final decision
Harper said she believes current commissioners are capable of making a decision on the development code, but emphasized the importance of ensuring the proposal is complete before any vote.
“I think they could make the decision,” Harper said.
However, she said the ordinance is still evolving and not ready for final approval.
“It’s not there yet,” she said. “It’s very fluid.”
“I’m not saying it’s incorrect — it’s just not complete.”
Managing growth and local economy
Harper said she supports slowing growth in the county, while recognizing the economic impact development has on local workers.
“I think growth should be slowed,” Harper said. “I don’t think it should be done away with.”
She said many residents oppose rapid development, but noted that industries tied to construction and development depend on continued activity.
“We have people who rely on that work,” she said.
Harper said county leaders must balance those competing interests when making decisions about growth.
Property rights and regulation
Harper said protecting private property rights should remain a key consideration as the county refines its development policies.
“Private property owners have rights too,” she said.
She said while the county may seek to limit certain types of development, it must remain mindful of long-time landowners.
“We have to be mindful of people who have owned their property for a long time,” Harper said.
County and city relationships
Harper said the county plays an important role in reviewing annexation proposals and coordinating with municipalities, particularly as growth is directed toward areas with existing infrastructure.
“The county does have a say,” Harper said.
She said development is often pushed toward cities because they have access to water and sewer services, making cooperation between county and city governments essential.
“We can’t just say growth is going to go that way without working with the cities,” she said.
Harper said her previous experience included regularly attending city meetings to maintain relationships and communication.
“You’ve got to have that rapport,” she said.
Transparency and public engagement
Harper said increasing public involvement will require more opportunities for residents to engage outside of regular commission meetings.
“I think we need more town hall meetings,” she said.
She also said county officials should be more visible and accessible within the community.
“People need the opportunity to come and be heard,” Harper said.
Harper suggested breaking complex issues like the development code into smaller discussions to help residents better understand them.
She also emphasized the importance of addressing infrastructure concerns, including water availability, as part of future planning.
“Water is critical,” she said.
Budget priorities and infrastructure needs
Harper said one of her top priorities would be planning for the future of the county landfill, as well as addressing staffing needs in key departments.
“We have to have a landfill,” Harper said. “People want their trash picked up, but nobody wants it in their backyard.”
She said the county should begin planning for alternative sites and explore ways to reduce landfill use, including recycling efforts.
Harper also pointed to staffing shortages in departments such as the road department, which she said plays a critical role during emergencies.
“We have 500 miles of roads,” she said. “We need more people.”
She said those workers are essential during storms and other emergencies, often working long hours to keep roads open.
“Those guys are out there when nobody else is,” Harper said.
Harper added that while capital projects such as the new jail are important, officials must also consider long-term operating costs.
“SPLOST pays for the building,” she said. “It doesn’t pay for what goes in the building.”
A focus on accessibility and experience
Harper said her campaign centers on experience, availability and a hands-on approach to serving residents.
“I have the experience, and I will be a full-time commissioner,” Harper said.
She said her current circumstances would allow her to fully dedicate her time to the role.
“I’m retired, I don’t have children at home, and I don’t run a business,” she said. “I’ll be available.”
Harper said accessibility was a key part of her previous time in office and would remain a priority if elected.
“I took every call, and I was there,” she said.
She said many residents simply want someone who will listen and help connect them with solutions.
“Most people just want someone they can talk to and relate to,” Harper said. “Sometimes it’s not that I have the answer, but I may know someone who does.”
