What does it mean to actually be a state representative? What it means is that you know your district and understand your constituents. It means that your decision making should be guided by the wants and needs of those back in the district you call home and not guided by party pressure. Lance Harvell is an excellent example of what it truly means to be a “representative” of the district he calls home.
I had the honor to work and serve with Representative Lance Harvell during the 124th. Legislature where I got to know him very well. Although our political views sometimes fall on the opposite sides of the road due to us being from opposing parties, I was always impressed by his want to understand why I thought the way I did, and he never failed to clearly explain why he thought the way he did. With Lance it was never an “I’m right , you’re wrong” situation.
Lance’s open minded approach in making his decisions on issues has at times put him at odds with his party, but therein lies another quality of a true representative, courage. Lance has displayed many times that he has the courage to do what he feels is right for his district. I for one can attest to how hard it is to buck your party leadership, and vote against what the party line would expect you to do.
I have seen Representative Harvell on more than one occasion stand on the house floor and speak against his own leaderships positions, and do so without worrying about the repercussions. How could he do that? He did so because he believes in doing his job; he was being your representative and standing up for the people he represents.
Lance has demonstrated to me a quality set that I admire in a friend and politician. Lance is direct and honest. If Lance says he is with you on a certain issue, he means it and he will remain loyal and follow through. But Lance also has another quality that I really like, he is very inquisitive. Lance will always do his homework on the issues that he is asked to vote on. When he makes a decision on something, you can rest assured that he has looked at it from all angles, asked the questions and given a lot of thought. He takes no vote lightly.
I have witnessed Lance’s decision making skills many times. One instance was when we had a bill come before our State and Local Government Committee that was sponsored by one of his Republican Party members. Lance was not particularly fond of this bill and was not going to give it his support. When pressed by those in his party, he asked those doing the pressing if they would support his bill if it had been presented by a member of the opposing party, and none could answer yes. So Lance said that his decision would stand, and it did not matter which side may have presented it.
I can say without a doubt that Lance knows what it is to be a representative of his district. He has served all of you well in the 124th. Legislature and I think he will do even better in the 125th. So I would encourage you all, republican, democrat or independent to send Lance back to Augusta and let him do what he knows best to do, be your representative.
Michael Willette
Presque Isle
