Miller Sworn In

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

Vidalia’s newest Councilman Ronald Miller officially took his oath of office during the Vidalia City Council meeting on Monday, July 14. Miller was elected to the council during the recent Special Election to fulfill the unexpired term of the late Mayor Pro Tem John Raymond Turner, who continued from page

passed away on April 1. In an effort to continue the productivity of the city while also avoiding any extra costs from hosting an additional election, Mayor Doug Roper and the Vidalia City Council agreed to hold the special election for the vacant seat in conjunction with the statewide Professional Standards Commission (PSC) election on Tuesday, June 17.

During the election, Miller received a total of 130 votes, accounting for 81.25% of the total votes cast, while Hall received 30 votes, accounting for 18.75% of the votes cast.

He currently serves within the community as the pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Vidalia and helped to establish the Enhancing Low-Income Neighborhoods Economically (ELICE) group, which has worked to improve the areas surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and East Park Cemetery.

Miller shared that he has extensive experience working with municipalities, as mayors in various cities throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia have appointed him to several commissions and committees. He said that most recently, he has attended almost every Vidalia City Council meeting throughout the last two years, which has helped him learn how “a dedicated voice in the council can drive positive changes for residents.”

Toombs County Probate Judge Tina Lindsey administered the Oath of Office to Miller at the beginning of the July 14 council meeting before he took a seat at his new place on the Council.

“I want to thank the mayor and the city councilmen and councilwoman for this opportunity to serve under God’s nation,” Miller reflected. “Thank you to the citizens of our city for the opportunity and to those who found it proper to vote for me. As you heard the judge [say], I promise under Almighty God that I will continue doing statutes of them all – respecting this land and honoring all that is ahead. I am looking forward to go and do the work with the city councilmen and councilwoman – that we can come together in unity and bring a better Vidalia – instead of a Greater Vidalia, a better Vidalia – for the citizens.”

He emphasized his hope that citizens and supporters would continue to pray that he help to lead the City well, as he told the public, “I love you, and thank you very much.”

Miller will serve on the City Council until the completion of the current term, which is slated for 2028.

FINDING HIS NEW PLACE – City officials help Councilman Ronald Miller to his new seat on the Vidalia City Council after Miller was sworn in on July 14.Photo by Makaylee Randolph