During a recent government meeting, a poignant testimony was shared by Mister Harris, who recounted his tumultuous journey from addiction to redemption. Harris began by detailing the significant life changes he faced after losing his job at Alice Sherman in 1986, which led to a downward spiral that included a divorce, family estrangement, and substance abuse. He candidly admitted to stealing from his parents to fund his cocaine addiction, resulting in a felony conviction and a three-year probation sentence in 1987.

However, Harris emphasized a turning point in his life when he secured employment at Briggs and Stratton, where he not only repaid his restitution but also began to rebuild his life. His career path included a seven-year tenure at Master Light Company, which ended in 1999 due to outsourcing. Fortunately, his strong work record allowed him to return to Briggs and Stratton.

In 2006, Harris pursued further education at MATC, earning his high school equivalency diploma. He later transitioned to Strattech Security Company, where he worked until his retirement in 2020. Notably, Harris highlighted that he has remained drug-free since 1987 and has continued to seek personal growth, recently obtaining his CDL license in 2022.

As the meeting progressed, Harris was asked to explain his motivation for seeking a pardon, indicating a desire to fully move on from his past mistakes. The board was then invited to pose questions, signaling a continued dialogue on Harris's journey and the implications of his request for a pardon.