Glenn Miller ‘78 is one of the Democratic candidates for Vestal Town Council. Born and raised in Vestal, Miller has worked for Raytheon, a defense contractor, as well as a role in local government in Arizona. He also worked as a computer support specialist at a firm contributing to the maintenance of Arizona’s infrastructure. Questionnaire responses have been edited for clarity.
1. What motivated you to run?
Honestly, a simple desire to give to my community. Then, the more I learned about the current board and supervisor from attending board meetings, I observed the residents were not being heard at all and that it is a waste of time attending board meetings. They also treated residents rudely. I feel that is just the opposite of what [a] government should be. As I have been campaigning and talking to residents, there are many who have similar stories about trying to bring issues to the town board and getting no response at all.
2. How does your background and previous experience make you a strong candidate for this position?
I was born and raised in Vestal, attending school up through a bachelor of technology degree from Binghamton University. I subsequently obtained a master’s degree in information science, so I have highly developed technical skills and education that will help as we look to bring more technology to the town. I also have experience with active listening and communication with various age and ethnic groups, so I can work well with the departments and employees.
3. What do you believe are the biggest issues facing your constituents, and how do you plan to address them?
There is serious lack of government even responding to requests and issues brought by the residents. I will help improve the town website to make it easier to submit issues and ensure there is a response, as well as follow-up. After that is the rampant rezoning for the benefit of business and a detriment to the residents. I would look more closely at rezoning and ensure a stricter procedure that is resident-centric.
4. Many students and community members are concerned about increasing prices, including housing and household essentials. How do you plan to address these concerns?
Honestly, household essentials are outside the purview of the town board. The housing and transportation, we can address by encouraging affordable housing projects, expanding the renting of local residences to students and possibly creating a new Vestal Parkway shuttle that would make more businesses and residences accessible to students.
5. What should students and young people vote for you?
I know, not believe — know, that the students and young people are the future of this community and out country. I would champion getting students and young people involved in town government, town planning, new ideas to improve Vestal and giving them volunteer and internship opportunities to expand their education and experience into real-world situations. I would also encourage them to get involved with local government and the local community in an effort to show them how important their involvement is.