REID W. HARRIS was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1964 and served for six years. During this time he was the principal author of several laws concerning conservation of the coastlands, including the Georgia Surface Mining Act and the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act.
And the Coastlands Wait is an inspirational guidepost for generations to come providing a logical, realistic step-by-step guide to the legislative process. Perhaps as important is the overall tone of the book which engenders a palpable sense of hope. -- Sarah V. Ross * executive director, University of Georgia Center for Research + Education at Wormsloe (CREW) * I want to point with pride and gratitude and love to two citizens of the Golden Isles without whom our marshes would not have been saved. . . . In my opinion, no group of American citizens ever had a more responsible, more intelligent, more caring and trustworthy elected official than those of us who have been represented by Reid W. Harris of St. Simons Island. I did not know him except by name until he introduced his bill to regulate the use of our marshlands several months ago. I do know Reid Harris now and this ex-cynic about politicians has had to change her tune—at least where this man is concerned. I watched him stand tall and poised under some rather exotic political battering during the last year. But he stood and his bill became law and the marshes are safe. I am writing my own point of view, but know I am joined by thousands of persons in this heartfelt tribute to a uniquely courageous and balanced public official. -- Eugenia Price