Atoka Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
John
Harber
John Harber is running for mayor of Atoka in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Barry L. Akin.
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The race · Mayor
- 01Barry L. AkinIncumbent
- 02John HarberYou’re reading
Background
- About
- John Harber owns Professional Construction Solutions LLC and holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Belhaven University.
- On the ballot as
- Independent
- Campaign website
- harberforatoka.com
Barry L. Akin, John Harber and Stephen Shopher are all members of the Atoka Municipal/Regional Planning Commission. Atoka Planning Commission minutes, August 17, 2026 · Aug 17, 2026
On the record: John Harber
8 sourced01Board unity1 sourced position
Says his priority as mayor would be bringing the board together and keeping the focus on residents.
As mayor, my priority will be bringing the board together and keeping our focus where it belongs: on the residents of Atoka.”
Own statementJohn Harber for MayorLink
02Childcare1 sourced position
Proposes a childcare incentive zone with reduced permitting fees and fast-track approval for licensed providers.
I will propose a childcare incentive zone — reduced permitting fees and a fast-track approval process for licensed providers who open here.”
Own statementJohn Harber for MayorLink
03Industrial Development Board1 sourced position
Says he would restructure the IDB with recruitment targets, quarterly public reporting and a resolved Planning Commission-BZA overlap.
I will restructure the IDB with measurable recruitment targets, require quarterly public reporting, and resolve the Planning Commission–BZA overlap so that zoning decisions have real independence.”
Own statementJohn Harber for MayorLink
04Water and sewer rates1 sourced position
Voted no on the FY 2027 water and sewer rates ordinance on final consideration (passed 4-3 with the mayor voting after a 3-3 aldermen split, June 2026).
Council voteAtoka Board of Mayor and Aldermen minutes, June 9, 2026 · Jun 9, 2026LinkHow the council voted
05Trash fee1 sourced position
Voted yes on the solid waste fee ordinance on final consideration (failed 2-4, January 2026).
Council voteAtoka Board of Mayor and Aldermen minutes, January 13, 2026 · Jan 13, 2026LinkHow the council voted
06Subdivision approvals1 sourced position
As a Planning Commission member, moved to approve the Maple Woods Village preliminary plat with four variances (carried, June 2026).
Commission voteAtoka Planning Commission minutes, June 15, 2026 · Jun 15, 2026Link
07Special events1 sourced position
Voted no on the Special Events ordinance on final consideration (passed 5-1, June 2026).
Council voteAtoka Board of Mayor and Aldermen minutes, June 9, 2026 · Jun 9, 2026Link
08Town administration1 sourced position
Voted no on a new employee timekeeping system agreement (passed 3-2, March 2026).
Council voteAtoka Board of Mayor and Aldermen minutes, March 10, 2026 · Mar 10, 2026Link
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