Full Biography for Deborah L. Acra

Candidate for
Mayor; City of Harrison

My name is Debbie Acra and I am a candidate for mayor of the city of Harrison. I am married, my husband, ray, and I have three children. for many years, I was employed as a real estate title examiner however, I resigned that position three years ago to devote more time to my family and my community. I was first elected to council six years ago and reelected two years ago. in my years on council, I have served twice as vice mayor. I have served on nearly every council committee and i have participated on behalf of the city in contract negotiations with each of the three unions representing city employees. I was instrumental in the creation of the western joint ambulance district, a joint paramedic district which includes the city of Harrison and four other municipalities. I have served as president of the board of trustees since the creation of the district four years ago. As a trustee and board president, I oversee the operational and financial aspects of this ambulance district. I personally saw to the placement of a paramedic in the city of Harrison 24 hours a day seven days a week. As a member of the police committee, I proposed personal safety seminars for women and I initiated and introduced legislation to expand the sexual predator notification law. As chair of the fire and emergency committee I have been involved in the renovation of our fire station and the introduction of legislation allowing Harrison to bill non residents for life squad services thereby creating additional revenue for Harrison. as a member of the recreation committee, I assisted in bringing to Harrison a bmx bike track which is now used for recreational purposes as well as state races. Three years ago, I introduced the move to hire a magistrate to hold mayor's court instead of the mayor. this move has proven to be very wise in that in 1999, the united states court of appeals held it to be unconstitutional in many cases for the mayor to preside over mayor's court. I currently chair the fire and emergency services committee, serve on the police committee, personnel committee and building and lands committee. I serve as city liaison to main street Harrison, inc., trustee t0 the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana regional council of governments (OkI) and president of the board of trustees of the western joint ambulance district.