Welcome to my newly designed website for the 29th State Representative District. Not only is there a new look, but we've also added a number of new features, such as an e-mail update sign up, a way to send me comments and questions, electronic versions of common forms and applications, answers on what we can do to help youm and information on my legislative commitments for this year.

Please look around, and click the link on the right to send me an e-mail if you have any questions, or call me at my constituent service office at (708) 201-8000.

Sincerely,

David Miller
Skewing the Line 1/6/09
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There is much being said about the Senate seat once held by the President Elect Barack Obama.  Since November 4th we have seen many politicians jockey for it; we have allegations of someone attempting to sell it; and recently we have people trying to place some kind of racial constraint on it. 
 
I think I speak for many when I say this behavior must stop.
 
No one is entitled to be the United States Senator from Illinois.  Individuals and groups need to stop looking at the Senate seat as a position of power, and realize it as a position of service; service to people of Illinois.  Being chosen as United States Senator is an honor and an opportunity for service, and it is unfortunate that this opportunity is being discussed in terms of race.
 
Because this seat was once held by President Elect Obama does not mean that the appointed Senator must be African American.  It is unfortunate that there are no African Americans in the United States Senate. Nevertheless, it is the job of the appointer to choose someone that is best for all of the people of Illinois.  The decision should be based on their qualifications, their integrity, and their commitment to doing what is best for people not just in Chicago and Cook County, but in the Quad City's, Carbondale, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois.
 
But, keep in mind that just because being African American does not entitle one to the Senate seat - it also should not be an instant disqualifier.  To dismiss many qualified candidates because of their perceived "statewide electability" is just as disheartening as choosing someone solely on the basis of race.  Let us not forget it was the people of Illinois that have twice sent African Americans to the United States Senate, and have elected African Americans to statewide offices.  The people of Illinois have shown themselves as people who will not be limited by race; and politicians and pundits should follow this example. 
 
When the people of the United States mandated Barack Obama to be the 44th President of the United States, they were focused on the work that needs to be done to keep this country moving forward. They were focused on our faltering economy; on our infrastructure that is so badly in need of repair; and on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Locally they focused not on race, but on who would best deal with the unemployment epidemic; who would help make and keep college affordable; and who can best deal with the healthcare affordability crisis.
 
Whenever all the dust settles from the selection process and final confirmation, the next Senator from this great state must be focused on the work that needs to be done to get this country and our state back on the right track.  If that choice is an African American, it should be just as coincidental as our 44th president, Barack Obama.
 
It is a disservice to the people of Illinois, and to the people of this country, if we allow the selection of a Senator to be about race and not about service.
 

David E. Miller
State Representative, 29th District
 

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Moving Our State Forward 12/11/08

I am deeply saddened to learn about the allegations against Governor Rod Blagojevich.  The actions alleged by the federal prosecutor, if true, are egregious and are a great disservice to the people of Illinois
 
Pay to Play politics in Illinois must end.  No longer can the leaders of this state put their own self interest ahead of those they were elected to serve.
 
I know that these allegations can cause you to become cynical about the political process, and those elected to serve you.  I ask that you do not lose faith.  Do not let the alleged actions of some cause you to lose faith in all.  I am committed to serving and doing what is best for the people of the 29th District; and I am committed to ensuring that the people of Illinois are not paralyzed by the current lack of leadership. 
 
As your State Representative, I refuse to let these controversies overshadow my responsibility to solve real problems affecting real people.  I am interested in moving our state FORWARD. 
 
Next week, when I return to Springfield to do the people's business, know that I will keep this basic principle in mind - We, the General Assembly, must take steps that move our state forward; we must take steps that move us beyond these controversies. 

 
If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to give me a call at, 708.201.8000

David

Copyright 2008 - David Miller, Illinois State Representative, 29th District
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