Q&A with new County Commission Chair Steve Miller
Photo & Words by Al Blanton
Local businessman Steve Miller was installed as the new Walker County Commission Chair on November 11, 2020. Miller brings a sense of excitement and fresh ideas to county government, and 78 Magazine wanted to get a glimpse of his mind-set going into his first year of office.
78: You took over as County Commission Chair on November 11. How has that transition been so far?
SM: The transition has been very smooth. The staff, the elected officials, and friends have all been very helpful and supportive.
78: What are your initial goals as you move into this new position?
SM: Moving Walker County forward with new industry, improving our infrastructure, and being accessible to the public. Also improving the welfare of Walker County as a whole.
78: In your opinion, how can Walker County grow and how can local communities be further enriched by the actions of the Commission?
SM: Walker County can grow through the combined efforts of the Commission working with a pro-active outreach to bring new industry (jobs) to our communities, which, when effective, brings more financial stability for improving our local communities.
78: We hear the negative often, but do you think the positive news of the County gets enough press?
SM: No. We as citizens need to hear the good and the positive things happening in our county, state, and country. This year has been very hard on everyone but there are good things happening out of the bad. Very seldom do we hear those stories. If we could all just stop and look around us, we can find our neighbors, friends, and strangers doing kind things for others. We all can learn from that. If we slow down and look around us, we can do a kind thing for someone every day.
78: You've run a successful business for many years. What leadership skills have you learned from being a business owner that you will transfer to the job as Commission Chairman?
SM: Honesty, integrity, and transparency. Those are three key things we have run our business on. But one other thing is always important every day—first and foremost by putting my faith and trust in Jesus Christ and treating others the way you want to be treated.
78: You campaigned extremely hard in a previous election and lost. What did you learn from that experience?
SM: A great singer once said, “You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” By Johnny Cash.
78: You have a strong group of colleagues working alongside you. What is your initial impression of your fellow commissioners as well as the employees who oversee the day-to-day operations of the county?
SM: I feel we all have a common goal of doing what is best for the citizens of Walker County. The commissioners work hard every day to listen to citizens and see that work is done to accomplish goals for each district. In order to accomplish this, the employees of each district play a vital role in the success of each district.
78: What do you like most about Walker County?
SM: Walker County is home. I have lived and worked here my whole life. It is home. You always want to make improvements on your home and keep it functioning at its best. That is what I want for Walker County. 78