Thanks, Mr. Miller

Thanks, Mr. Miller

With Newbill Miller’s announcement this week that he will not seek re-election to the Board of Supervisors, Rappahannock County loses a steadfast and dedicated public servant.

During a career of service to the county which spans more than 20 years, Mr. Miller has served as both a member and chairman of the Board of Supervisors, mayor and member of Council of the Town of Washington, and member of the county’s Planning Commission.

For years, Mr. Miller was not just the best informed county official on the issues of zoning and land use. In many cases he was the only one with a working knowledge of the latest state enabling legislation and the innovative approaches being tried in other jurisdictions — both in Virginia and outside the Commonwealth.

In 1973, as chairtnan of the Board of Supervisors, he helped guide the county through the adoption of its first zoning ordinance.

During the past two years, he played a key role in the adoption of a revision of “Old Blue,” finally enacted last December.

Mr. Miller was instrumental in writing the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which spells out the county’s rural character and serves as a guide for the direction of its growth. He also assisted in an update of that plan.

And now, as the supervisors’ representative on the Planning Commission, he is helping to oversee a revision of the county’s subdivision ordinance.

Although his expertise will be missed, he leaves the county’azoning situation in good shape, due in part to his efforts.

During his current tenure as Hampton District’s representative on the Board of Supervisors, filling the unexpired portion of the late Clarence Baldwin’s term, several major issues facing the county which have been ignored and postponed for years have been addressed and are finally moving toward resolution.

Mr. Miller has been an outspoken supporter of the rural character of Rappahannock, and has led the fight to preserve the county’s heritage, its farmland and open space, against those who have attempted to exploit it for short-term, personal gain.

And he has been selfless. His position has always represented the best interests of his constituents as he has seen them.

Anyone who has argued a public issue with Mr. Miller knows that he is not afraid to state his opinion, no matter how unpopular. But his reasoning is always grounded on facts, never sinking to personal attacks.

No matter how acrimonious the debate, Mr. Miller has unfailingly remained a gentleman.

His retirement from public service is certainly welldeserved.

But, as Rappahannock County’s pre-eminent not-soelder elder statesman, we hope that Mr. Miller will find some way to lend his considerable knowledge and experience to the county as it continues to struggle with questions of zoning and land use.

Thank you for your many years of service, Mr. Miller— and best wishes as, come January, you take up life as a just plain resident of Rappahannock.