Press & Interviews
I’m running for Dane County Supervisor because District 12 deserves leadership that listens—and delivers.
Here you’ll find interviews where I discuss priorities like public safety with accountability, responsible budgeting, access to services, and what I’m hearing directly from neighbors across the district.
As part of the nonpartisan Know Your Candidates series, Otis Harris Jr. participated in a recorded television interview designed to help voters hear directly from those seeking public office—without slogans, interruptions, or spin.
This interview gives residents a clear look at Otis’ leadership approach, values, and readiness to serve on the Dane County Board. He speaks to the responsibilities of county government, the importance of fiscal stewardship, and why representation must be grounded in real relationships with the people most affected by county decisions.
The Know Your Candidates series exists to support informed voting, and this interview reflects Otis’ commitment to transparency, civic education, and accountability to the public.
In this in-depth conversation with WORT 89.9 FM, Otis Harris Jr. discusses why he is running for Dane County Supervisor and how District 12 residents are shaping his priorities. The interview centers on what he’s hearing directly from neighbors across the district—families, seniors, workers, and community members—and how those lived experiences must guide county-level decisions.
Rather than campaign talking points, this interview focuses on listening, accountability, and practical governance: how county policies show up in everyday life, how public safety and health intersect, and why transparent budgeting matters to people who feel left out of decision-making.
Wisconsin State Journal — Candidate Q&A (District 12)
The Wisconsin State Journal published a candidate Q&A ahead of the February 17 primary to give voters a clearer understanding of who is running for Dane County Board District 12 and how each candidate approaches county leadership.
In this interview, Otis Harris Jr. responds to questions about why he is running, the perspective he brings to county government, how public dollars should be managed, and which issues deserve greater attention from the County Board. His responses emphasize transparency, responsible budgeting, prevention-focused investment, and leadership rooted in lived experience and community accountability.
👉 The full Wisconsin State Journal interview can be viewed here:
Otis Harris Jr.’s Responses
(Responses below are Otis Harris Jr.’s answers to questions posed by the Wisconsin State Journal.)
Why are you running for Dane County Board District 12?
County decisions impact people’s daily lives in real and lasting ways, yet too often those decisions are made without meaningful input from the communities most affected. I’m running because I’ve seen firsthand where systems fall short for families, seniors, and working people—and I believe county leadership must be grounded in listening, accountability, and follow-through.
What perspective would you bring to the County Board?
I bring a frontline, lived-experience perspective shaped by my work with families and my own experience navigating county systems. I understand how policy plays out beyond reports and meetings, and I believe effective leadership requires understanding both the human and fiscal impact of decisions.
How would you approach county spending?
Budgets are moral documents—they reflect our priorities and values. I support transparent oversight of contracts, investments in prevention and early intervention, and spending decisions tied to measurable outcomes. When we invest earlier and smarter, we reduce long-term costs and strengthen community stability.
What issue needs more attention at the county level?
The gap between policy and lived experience. County services must be easier to navigate, better coordinated, and more accountable—especially for residents already facing barriers to access. When systems work together and respond earlier, everyone benefits.
Questions originally posed by the Wisconsin State Journal. Full interview available on the Wisconsin State Journal website.
Channel 3000 — Candidate Q&A (District 12)
Channel 3000 published individual candidate pages for the Dane County Board District 12 race, providing voters with direct responses to the same set of questions. The series allows residents to compare leadership perspectives ahead of the February 17 primary election.
In his responses, Otis Harris Jr. outlines why he is running, how county decisions should reflect community realities, and what responsible governance looks like at the local level. His answers center on accountability, prevention-focused investment, and ensuring county systems work better for families, workers, and seniors.
👉 Read Otis Harris Jr.’s full Channel 3000 interview here:
Questions originally posed by Channel 3000. Full responses available at Channel3000.com.