John Burris, 24
State Representative
Harrison
Most politicians establish their careers and then run for office. John Burris has done it backward.
Burris, who grew up at Dirkman and earned a degree in history and political science at Arkansas Tech University, has put his career plans on hold in the year since he became the youngest person currently serving in the Arkansas House of Representatives.
"I was in a spot where I could do it, and that's one of the reasons I decided to do it when I was young. I knew I wanted to do it, but I wasn't sure I could win."
The same November 2008 election added an even-year legislative session to the state's Constitution, and that means "it's very difficult to do anything full time and full faith while being gone four or five months a year."
Burris, who described himself as "a loyal Republican," has worked in real estate and as a substitute teacher. "First and foremost, I want to serve my district well. ... As a legislator, you can't change the world, but you can help people one at a time."
Issues he wants to address during his tenure in the Legislature include education, protecting the rural way of life and "a little finer focus of our tax structure."
"We're not competing with Washington. We're competing with Tennessee and Louisiana," he said.
[ Link to this article ]
