Rep. Miller believes politics all about serving others
Ohio Seventh District Rep. Max Miller, left, recently joined former U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs for a luncheon in Wooster. Miller continues to make connecting with communities throughout his district a priority.
When it comes to serving in his role as Ohio Seventh District congressman, Max Miller is willing to set aside his own desires for the constituents of his district.
He said doing so is a simple matter of living up to the role he was elected to serve: representative.
“It’s right there in the name, representative, and for me, it’s about how we can deliver for the constituents,” Miller said. “The way I look at it, I don’t represent myself. I represent the people, and I feel very strongly about that, which is why it’s easy for me to put my own feelings aside.”
Miller said one of his favorite parts of serving is he writes thank you notes, pumping out 50-80 per week to people and organizations making positive impacts in their communities.
It’s a simple act of kindness but one he believes is critical.
He said his overriding goal is to be a conduit for the people in returning money to them through the federal government, noting it is money that belongs to them, with some of them waiting months and years, people like veterans, people who are disabled, the agricultural community and others.
“We don’t offer it. (People) are entitled to it,” Miller said.
During his freshman year in Congress, Miller connected on 15-of-15 of his requested appropriations to the tune of $17.8 million, with the appropriations going to police departments, fire departments and infrastructure.
This year he is requesting $45 million in appropriations, which would include the creation of two new fire stations in Wayne County.
He said even if he doesn’t go 15-for-15 again, he feels confident the number of appropriations he does collect will be more than double of what he brought in last year.
“I’m focused on getting the real work done,” Miller said. “Some people in Congress have lost sight of that because they are there to make a buck, and a few of them are giving us all a bad rap.”
He said the 10% on both sides of the spectrum have given 80% of those in Congress a black eye, with the radical few speaking the loudest but not in the name of representing the people.
That mindset is why Miller got into politics in the first place. He said he believes he can make a positive impact and is convicted to provide for and serve the people.
“I’ve dedicated my life to serving others,” said Miller, who served in the Marine Corps. “A big part of that is building relationships throughout my district.”
As for his aspirations, he said his only goal right now is to serve the people of the Ohio Seventh District to the best of his ability.
“I’ve lived my entire life thinking that if I had the job I have now and do it well, to the best of my ability, and work as hard as I can, opportunities will present themselves,” Miller said. “I don’t have my eyes on any other prize other than representing this district and doing the very best I can.”
One way he has connected with constituents is by making himself available through town hall meetings and visitations. Miller said he has presented 18 town hall meetings already, more than anyone on the federal level, and plans to continue that trend.
“I want to hear from the communities to see how we can be the best champion for the area,” Miller said. “It’s a diverse demographic.”
Miller also does more than simply talk about giving back. Last year he donated 25% of his salary to the Medina Technical Career Center and plans to do something similar this year.
“That was my honor,” Miller said, noting he and other congressmen are working on building up trade schools throughout Ohio.
Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District, which includes Medina and Wayne counties and parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, for which he also is chairman of the environment subcommittee.
He is a member of the Republican Study Committee, Main Street Caucus and the Congressional Jewish Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump.
Visit http://maxmiller.house.gov for more information.