BETTER CHOICE 2011 Tax Collector candidate David Miller: "Compassion and firmness must work hand in hand"

My name is David Miller.  My wife Pat and I have lived in Killingworth for the past 38 years raising two children.   I am an honorably discharged veteran of the Viet Nam era, retired from Sales & Marketing positions in the business world, keep busy with my church in youth ministry, was involved several years with the first Taxpayers Association serving as vice-president and several years served with our very professional Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company as Secretary and later as Captain.

During the last nine years I have had the privilege and pleasure (and it really is!) to be a CT certified  school bus driver for Regional District #17.  I have noticed in the last 3 or 4 years that mothers the bus to pick up their children have commented how concerned they were with the possibility of not being able to live in Killingworth- the only option to sell and move elsewhere.

The chairman of the Political Action Committee (PAC)--Better Choice 2011- asked me to consider being a candidate for Tax Collector.  The committee explained their mission and how they planned to execute it.  Concerned by the viewpoints of the mothers on my bus routes, I was also impressed with Better Choice 2011 committee's dedication and resolve to win this November.  I heartily agreed to be a part of the Better Choice 2011 endeavor.

I have given considerable thought as to how Killingworth can be better, nicer and more receptive to its residents so it will remain that special place we all enjoy and love without being forced to move or foreclosed on, etc.

I will be a tenacious collector of taxes due but benevolent and considerate of those in dire financial situations, as many are in this economy.  I, unlike my opponents, am not so self-important that I pledge to collect nearly 100% due but would be willing to be a tenacious but compassionate tax collector who would arrange feasible payment plans that will work for all. I believe that it is our duty to pay our taxes but I do not believe people's lives should be ruined just to make a balance sheet look good.

Further, I pledge to all that the Medical Premium Buy-Out is not part of a town employee's salary package and I REFUSE to participate. It is just wrong.  If you need insurance you purchase it.  The Buy-Out is NOT a bonus because your spouse is covered somewhere else.  It is simply UNETHICAL.

I will close the Tax Collector's office on Monday, stay open on Thursday evenings and will open a few hours on scheduled Saturdays to assist those residents who leave at 6 am and return at 7 pm every weekday.

I am very concerned about the future economy in Killingworth and understand that compassion and firmness must go hand in hand.

Your vote at the Republican Primary on September 13th would be appreciated.