Meet The Candidate: Jim Miller
Havre de Grace Patch previews the 2012 City Council Election.
Jim Miller’s first exposure to Havre de Grace City Council was in 1972.
It was a homework assignment.
In the same fashion with which he operates today, Miller began to question the norm and suggest alternatives.
It was one instance in particular that caught his interest.
At that time, teens in Havre de Grace would drink and smoke in Tydings Park, Miller said.
“The police didn’t really mind it because they knew where everybody was and they could keep them contained,” Miller explained. “The complaint was that the kids were leaving trash down there. So I got up and said, ‘Why don’t you put some garbage cans down there?’”
The trash cans went in, and the complaints went away.
“So I kept coming to the meetings,” Miller said.
Miller, 55, has a vast knowledge of the projects that are planned and underway in the city, and is an encyclopedia when it comes to the status of various infrastructure in the city.
He’s served three terms on City Council, and most recently has been involved in the planning and zoning committee and interpreting and dissecting the recommendations of the zoning task force.
It was because of the work with the zoning project—and other civic programs—that Miller decided to run again.
“I was debating it. I’ve done this for three years. About a month before the filing date was when I made up my mind to do it again,” he said. “I’ve put the last four years into this zoning task force, so I want to stay and I want to see that completed.”
Miller said he doesn’t play favorites and is always looking to utilize the taxpayers’ contributions wisely.
He acknowledges others may see him as gruff, but his stance on topics is matter-of-fact, he said, and often the verbalized thoughts of others.
Miller enjoys the work and improving the community around him. But it’s obvious that he’s not a fan of the political charade that takes place every spring in Havre de Grace.
In a way, it detracts from the tasks at hand, Miller said.
“It’s part of the unfortunate thing about our elections, someone is always running for re-election,” Miller said. “So on May 9, the other side of the dais starts running for re-election.”
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In This article
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Havre de Grace City Hall
711 Pennington Ave, Havre de Grace, MD -
Millard E. Tydings Memorial Park
Commerce St & S Washington St, Havre de Grace, MD
Wendy McNally
7:34 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Jim is one of the most honest, ethical, and hard-working individuals I know. I find great comfort in knowing that his voice represents me and my family in the planning and development of the City of Havre de Grace. Kudos to Jim for his many years of service to our community; he will have our continued support in this election and beyond.
Biller's Bikes
8:23 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
We saw many dozens of pedestrians nearly struck by cars crossing St. John Street at Franklin (by MacGregor's). We took the issue to Jim Miller and within a month there were two "stop for pedestrian" crosswalks in place. For all his famous growling, Jim is a pussycat and gets the job done for citizens. A vote for Jim is a vote for experience, knowledge, and political transparency. Vote Miller, Smith, Cullum on May 8.
Steve Gilman
11:36 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Too bad I live in Florida and I cannot vote for Jim Miller. Jim is a stand up guy and always has the best interest for the people of HdG. I have known Jim all my life and would definitely trust him in office. Vote for Jim!!
Bruce Linick
6:06 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Garbage cans in response to teenage drinking and smoking in the park? Is this really a solution?
Biller's Bikes
7:01 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
1n 1972, as today, police enforcement priorities are set by the mayor and his/her chief of police, not the council. In our case, we asked the police chief, first, for crosswalks; we were told it would require a city resolution directing the mayor to act. Jim handled the public safety no-brainer directly with the Department of Public Works.
James P. Miller
7:40 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012
Not everyone drank or smoked. Back in the early 70's the drinking age was 18. It wasn’t the drinking and smoking that was the issue. The parking lot was a hang out spot for the older teenagers and young adults. It was a place to congregate and the councilman at the time wanted to take it away without looking for a solution. I offered a solution and the problem was solved for a while.
W H W
9:49 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Hey Miller wanna buy some copper?