Letter: Mayor pro tem seeks re-appointment

(Note: This is a copy of a letter that Oak Ridge Mayor Pro Tem Jane Miller sent to her fellow City Council members.)

Dear Members of City Council:

By submission of this letter, I am formally announcing that I intend to seek re‐election to the position of mayor pro tem on Dec. 10.

First, I welcome and congratulate Ms. Baughn on her election. She will bring new and different ideas to the Council. I also congratulate Mr. Hensley and Mr. Hope on their successful re‐elections. Although we are diverse and have a variety of opinions on various issues, I believe we will collectively continue to make good decisions to move our City forward.

I am proud of this council and the way each of you governs with grace and fairness. I commend you for the sacrifices you make so that the public will be served.

During my time on Council, we have dealt with many unforeseen issues. We have major challenges such as the EPA mandates and high school debt, but we have also been able to move the city forward with some recent new business opportunities, including Woodland Town Center (Aubrey’s, Panera, and Weigel’s), Kroger Marketplace, Jackson Square and others on the horizon. The tax revenues from these new and expanded businesses will provide new funding to support our valuable city services, quality of life, and education, and improve our financial status.

With my public relations, business management, and tourism experience, I am a recognized advocate for our city. I have demonstrated the commitment, reliability, leadership, organizational skills, energy, and enthusiasm required to be an effective mayor pro tem. I have made every effort to ensure that we celebrate our successes as often as we roll up our sleeves to tackle our problems. I have taken a leadership role to invite and include City Council in various social, volunteer and business events in the city.

My work at Y‐12 and with City Council has afforded me opportunities to interact with DOE, NNSA, and the Tennessee congressional offices. I have established working relationships with those in regional, state, and federal government as well as local DOE, NNSA, and contractor officials. I also have long term relationships with management of key private sector businesses in the greater Oak Ridge area. Most importantly, I have strong and respectful relationships with citizens of all ages, demographics, and neighborhoods throughout the city.

It has been my privilege to co‐chair the Secret City Festival (SCF) for the last eight years. During this period, we have continued to increase attendance and corporate sponsorships. SCF 2011 contributions totaled over $95,000 of outside (non‐city) donations plus many in‐kind donations. This allows the SCF expanded activities for children and teens to be provided at no charge. The SCF continues to receive many regional and national awards each year, bringing positive recognition and visitors from 22 states to Oak Ridge.

In working with you over the last few months, I believe we are in agreement that we want Oak Ridge to offer a high quality of life and safe neighborhoods for all residents, maintain high standards of education, continue valued city services, and improve our financial standing without undue tax burdens on the citizens. I am encouraged by the progress this Council has made in these areas and look forward to continue to work on these and other issues on our path forward.

If elected, I will remain committed to provide positive leadership for our City Council and to working with each of you for the betterment of Oak Ridge. I respectfully ask for your support in electing me to represent the Council and the city as mayor pro tem on Dec. 10.

D. Jane Miller

Oak Ridge