Chicago Tribune - Harris Remembered for Helping Hand, Passion for Northwest Indiana

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By Christian Nance Lazerus

Colleagues and friends of Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, remembered him as the consummate legislator and gentleman, who wouldn't hesitate to help anyone navigate the inner workings of the Indiana General Assembly.

Harris, 73, died Monday afternoon after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Donna and his son Earl Jr. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Harris had served in the House of Representatives since 1982. As one of the longest serving legislators, his desk was in the front row, near the Speaker's podium, said fellow Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary.

"If you asked, he was a wonderful source of information," Smith said. "He was my office mate and we joked that his wife was considered my wife as well. He was a great friend."

State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, counted Harris as a mentor and friend, who never hesitated to reach out to the Republican side.

"He gave advice and direction," Randolph said. "He was a gentleman and friend to everybody. He reached across the aisle, and people didn't just like him but loved him. I refer to him as a quiet warrior, who brings people together."

Randolph said Harris was especially helpful to freshmen legislators.

"He was a seasoned veteran in the house," Randolph said. "The cracks and crevices in procedure -- he knew where they were. He could guide and educate a lot of young legislators.

"The most important thing is to cherish our memories and what we've learned from him. The majority of those members sought the assistance and advice of an Earl Harris are a lot better off now."

Before launching his political career, Harris served as a fixed assets administrator for the School City of East Chicago, owned liquor stores in East Chicago and Gary, and worked at Inland Steel.

Harris, a Tennessee native, had moved to Northwest Indiana in the early 1960s to attend Indiana University Northwest and Purdue University Calumet.

East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland remembers seeing Harris knocking on the door of his parents' house to stump for votes when he was a kid.

"When I became an elected official, we became real close," Copeland said. "He helped me through some tough times when I first became mayor. He gave me advice on the budget deficit and how to handle Cline Avenue and the elected school board. On the big issues, he would just hold my hand and say just do your best.

"'Let me see what I can do,' I think was his favorite saying."

Harris had expertise in many areas and he helped spearhead legislation that led to the development of the Indiana's casino industry and Lake Michigan shoreline redevelopment.

Copeland sees Harris' fingerprints on the $8 million restoration project, which will make East Chicago's beach available for recreation.

"He envisioned this and saw that it was a quality of life issue," Copeland said. "Having a beach and promenade with a splash pad brings families together. He saw the beauty of that and we are benefactors of that now."

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, recalled Harris' vision in backing legislation to redevelop former industrial property along Lake Michigan, which was included in Visclosky's Marquette Plan.

"… Earl Harris represented the people of Northwest Indiana with a giving heart, a thoughtful mind, and great passion," Visclosky said. "He undoubtedly will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to serving others. His advocacy for promoting economic development -- evidenced by his tireless work to redevelop the Lake Michigan shoreline -- leaves an everlasting legacy."

Even though his cancer treatments caused him to miss much of the 2015 session, Smith said he and others were happy to see Harris back in the chamber last week.

"He had missed a lot of days this session," Smith said. "It's almost like he knew. He was so determined that he came in last Thursday."

Randolph said he was inspired by Harris' presence.

"It's very inspiring to see someone in his condition do what he did," Randolph said. "He wanted to pursue his duties as a legislator. That's got to motivate you."

A caucus election to replace Harris will be scheduled by the Indiana Democratic Party within the 30 days after the state party chairman receives notice of the vacancy from the Secretary of State's Office, said Lake County Sheriff and Democratic Party chairman John Buncich.

"I've known Earl for over 35 years, and he was a wonderful gentlemen to work with," Buncich said. "He was able to work across the aisle when we needed things and he was very concerned about his constituents. He's truly going to be missed. Whoever succeeds him has big shoes to fill."

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