Rhonda Watkins is running for mayor. In 2022, Watkins ran against current Mayor Jerry Jackson. Prior to that, Watkins served as the Boone County Circuit Clerk.
When asked why she was running again, Watkins replied, “I hope to relate to the people. I think the city is doing things that citizens are unaware of. I think they should be better informed. Right now they don’t know. That’s why they go to social media to try to find out. They shouldn’t have to do that. I am one of you guys. I have raised two daughters. I have worked two jobs. I know what it’s like. We need industry in here. People need to make a living if they are going to stay here.”
The key to jobs in Harrison is manufacturing, Watkins believes. She said she would reach out to manufacturers and other businesses to get them here.
She said that while new apartments are being built, she’s not sure they will be affordable if there aren’t jobs that pay enough.
Although Watkins believes that bringing in new employers is essential, the city shouldn't buy and renovate buildings for businesses. “The city shouldn’t be in the real estate business,” she said.
She further explained that if a business’s only reason for coming to Harrison is big incentive packages, they don’t need to be here. Along those lines, Watkins doesn’t want Harrison to base its development plans on other municipalities. She explained that just because other cities have certain businesses or amenities doesn’t mean Harrison needs them too.
When asked about the upcoming 0.25% tax meant to continue funding for the police, fire and general fund, Watkins said the following: “It had a sunset on it.” She continued, “If you knew it was getting ready to sunset, wouldn’t you be a little bit frugal?”
She believes that given its sunset date, the city should have done more to spend less. She gave a hypothetical about finding out her Social Security would end, asking whether it would make more sense for her to go out and make big purchases or to save money in anticipation.
The proposed tax no longer carries a sunset. “If a tax does not have a sunset, I’m going to question it,” Watkins explained. She said that the community doesn’t have the right to burden future generations with taxes.
Watkins said the job of mayor is to be the city’s administrator and a voice for the people. She believes that she would be “a fresh set of eyes” unafraid to stand up for the people.
“It is a mission to make Harrison better. To help Harrison have its own identity,” she concluded.
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