Pauline Adair "Polly" Harris

An actress, director, broadcaster, public relations executive, and university fundraiser, Harris was also a trailblazing politician. She was among the first females to serve on the El Paso council (three terms, 1977-83) and as mayor pro-tem (1980). Harris was known as an advocate for government transparency, fiscal responsibility, and staffing diversity. She is also remembered for her skillful advocacy for protection of the Franklin Mountains, partnering with the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, and using her council veto rights and knowledge of zoning and annexation powers to slow development, and buy time for state protection.