Tucson lost a true public servant when George Miller died last week. He spent 22 years in elected office, and never stopped working to better the community he loved.
Miller, a Democrat, was elected to the Tucson City Council in 1977 and served four terms. He was elected mayor twice, and retired from office in 1999.
A passion for justice and equality animated Miller. He was a Marine in World War II, was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He attended the University of Arizona for bachelor’s and master’s degrees and became a teacher in Amphitheater Public Schools before returning to his home state of Michigan.
Miller’s teaching career was cut short when he was called before the U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy-era House Un-American Activities Committee to explain why he refused to sign a loyalty oath required to keep his teaching job. He refused to testify, ending his teaching career.
He returned to Tucson, became a painting contractor and was elected to office during complicated times in our community. He was part of getting Rio Nuevo started, and was not shy after he left office about criticizing the mismanagement that occurred.
Miller stayed engaged in Tucson issues, always with an eye toward supporting people who didn’t have powerful interests lobbying on their behalf. He spoke out on behalf of bus riders when it came to considering fare increases, he talked about helping people who are homeless, advocating for public education.
He was a frequent writer to the Star’s editorial pages, and would call to offer history or perspective. He wrote about holding George W. Bush accountable for the Iraq War, about local annexation and the city charter, and in support of the VA Hospital in Tucson.
Miller offered guidance to those who followed him in office and helped Tucsonans remember our community’s path.
His wisdom, summed up in a June 2, 2013 guest opinion column Miller wrote for the Star, reached beyond his time as mayor. He’s talking about how to build a community for all.
“A budget is not simply a document full of figures about programs determined by the city staff. It is also a statement reflecting the values and priorities of the City Council. It indicates what the council considers important and what it has done to make the city a better place to live.”
George Miller will be missed.
