Despite cancer, Palo’s mayor continues Linn board campaign

A sudden bout with cancer has slowed but not stopped Palo Mayor John Harris' campaign for Linn County supervisor.

“My prognosis looks good,” Harris said Wednesday afternoon. “I'm continuing as an active candidate, my campaign committee has been  putting signs up.”

Harris, 57, is recovering at home after surgery at Mercy Medical Center to remove a tumor from his abdominal area. He said the cancer was discovered in mid-September.

“It was fairly sudden,” he said.

Harris is challenging five-term incumbent Democratic Supervisor James Houser in Linn County's District 5, which also includes Alburnett, Center Point, Fairfax, Walford, Walker, unincorporated western Linn County, and part of Cedar Rapids. He credited supporters with carrying his campaign while he recuperates.

“The Linn County Republicans have been a big help,” he said.

Harris is confident he'll be healthy to serve should he defeat Houser, but he hasn't decided if he'd continue serving as Palo's mayor. He hasn't attended a city council meeting since Sept. 13.

“We'll see what the doctors say,” he said. “We're expecting the best.”

Still, in political terms “the timing couldn't have been worse,” Harris said.