Larry J. Miller, candidate for Ward 6 alderman in Edwardsville, IL
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More on the election for Edwardsville Ward 6 alderman
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Name:
Larry J. Miller
Political party (if applicable):
N/A
Age as of April 6, 2021:
72
Campaign website or social media page:
Larry J. Miller, Candidate for Alderman, Edwardsville Ward 6 on Facebook
Office seeking:
Edwardsville City Council, Ward 6 alderman
Are you an incumbent?
No
Previous offices sought:
2013 candidate for Ward 6 alderman
Occupation:
Retired from US Air Force in 1989 and U.S. Postal Service in 2011
Education:
Associate’s degree in Applied Science, Community College of the Air Force
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Edwardsville Planning Commission member from 2013-2017; Madison County Emergency Management Operations and Logistics volunteer; Madison County Community Emergency Response Team volunteer (instructor); Edwardsville VFW Post 1299 commander; American Legion Post 199 Americanism chairman, (includes Boys State program, School Awards program and member of Department of Illinois State American Legion Legislative Commission); Boy Scout troop committee member and merit badge counselor.
Why are you running?
It is my desire to serve the public. I’ve been serving the public most of my life, first as an active duty military member and later as an employee of the U.S. Postal Service.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?
I don’t know that a top issue has been identified. There have been discussions on inclusion, equity and housing, and I believe that the committee on Race Relations and Equality in Edwardsville questionnaire and report have brought several items to light that need to be addressed. Increasing the representation and focus on the city’s Human Relations Commission should have an impact on addressing and correcting those issues.
I also think the video-gaming issue needs to be revisited and allowed in those establishments identified by state law, short of allowing video-gaming parlors. Video gaming is a potential source of revenue for the city that should be explored. Challenges to the activity tend to revolve around individual and personal dislike for video gaming and the idea that it would blemish the “image” of the city of Edwardsville. In the numerous cities around Illinois that allow video gaming, I don’t believe that you would find it to be a distraction to their images. Open containers of alcoholic beverages are allowed on the streets of Edwardsville during certain events, and the city also allows alcohol-related activities in city parks. Why is video gaming, which is conducted behind closed doors and inaccessible to those under the age of 21, considered an activity that blemishes the image of the city, when open consumption of alcohol beverages is allowed?
Why should people vote for you?
I have a willingness to serve the people of Ward 6 and the city of Edwardsville. I intend to listen to the residents of the ward and take a sensible approach to issues as they arise.
This story was originally published February 26, 2021 at 2:01 PM.