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Tagged: Joe Harris

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Politics & Government
3:50 am
Thu January 17, 2013

Benton Harbor’s emergency manager calls his departure 'bittersweet'

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Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
Harris smiles as he begins his press conference with the Sammy Davis Jr. song, "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" Wednesday afternoon.
Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
Joe Harris, Sharon Henderson, and Trenton Bowens (left to right) greet each other after a press conference Wednesday.
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Benton Harbor Emergency Manager Joe Harris says he’s proud of his accomplishments in his nearly three years running the city. Harris said it was the most exciting job he’s ever had, describing his departure as “bittersweet."

Benton Harbor is going through a big transition this month. Michigan Radio's Lindsey Smith has this update.

As he entered his press conference Wednesday afternoon, Harris flashed a big smile at the TV cameras and reporters, some city staff and a few elected leaders. He played “Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone,” a fitting Sammy Davis Jr. version of the tune as he walked into the room.

“Don’t say a mumbling word about me when I’m gone,” Harris sang, tapping his foot along with the beat.

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Politics & Government
12:47 pm
Mon January 14, 2013

State appoints young, fresh face to run Benton Harbor beginning next month

Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
Joe Harris is on his way out of office as Benton Harbor's emergency manager.
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As expected, the state has replaced Benton Harbor’s emergency manager. Joe Harris has served as Benton Harbor’s emergency manager since former Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed him in March 2010. His contract expires January 31st.

Harris made progress in cutting the city’s deficit, but has been blamed for keeping the community in the dark about his decisions recently. Some of the city’s elected officials asked the state to replace Harris last month. Although state officials are not acknowledging that’s the reason, a letter from Deputy Treasurer Roger Fraser explains the state would work to fulfill the request.

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Politics & Government
11:14 pm
Fri January 11, 2013

State replaces Harris as Benton Harbor emergency financial manager

Credit Lindsey Smith/Michigan Radio
Benton Harbor Emergency Manager Joe Harris at a press conference in late November 2012.
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BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Joseph Harris is out as Benton Harbor's emergency financial manager.

The Local Emergency Financial Assistance Loan Board on Friday voted to appoint Tony Saunders II to replace Harris. Saunders' appointment is effective Feb. 1.

Saunders had been working as an adviser on behalf of state Treasury officials with cash-strapped Highland Park, a Detroit enclave.

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