Current Undergraduate Student Government President, Adrian Miller has announced he will pursue the vacant position on the Carbondale City Council.

The council will begin accepting applications from community members interested in filling the position Feb. 4.

The vacancy stems from outgoing Mayor Joel Fritzler’s resignation Jan. 13. Don Monty has been selected to serve the rest of Fritzler’s term, beginning Feb. 4.

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Miller, a lifelong resident of Carbondale, is a 22-year-old junior studying political science and has been involved in public service for most of his life.

“I feel now is the time I can give back to my community,” Miller said. “If the council feels I am an adequate person to serve on that council, I would be more than honored to take up that call and serve the citizens of Carbondale.”

Although his position at SIU would make him an ambassador for the university, Miller said his main concern would be to serve the community first.

“Carbondale as a community is truly unique,” he said. “This community had a great deal in raising me.”

City council member and owner of Fat Patties Lance Jack said he is excited Miller has decided to submit his application for city council.

“The community has long-wanted at times more student involvement and representation in the city,” Jack said. “I think it would be a good idea to have someone of Adrian’s qualifications and caliber on the city council.”

Jack said he will look at Miller’s qualifications as seriously as anyone else applying.

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“He has been around town and he knows what is going on,” Jack said. “He has a good feel, not just for the student population, but for some of the business needs in Carbondale.”

Miller is a graduate of Carbondale Community High School where he served as class president for four years. Along with serving as the elected president of the USG, Miller also serves as a board member for the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

The IBHE represents students from public, private and for-profit universities, Miller said.

“It has given me a lot of perspective into state politics but also into issues like pensions and higher education dealing with the $3.4 billion budget the IBHE oversees,” he said.

He said his work with USG has prepared him to take on the task of being a city council member.

“This year alone in USG, we have passed solid finance reform,” he said. “We have brought the organization up a notch to the point where people know about USG, and people are participating in the process and those things have not happened in the past.”

Bob Brewer, 76, a life-long Carbondale community member and former assistant bursar for the university, said he met Miller when he was in high school. Brewer said he knew from the moment he met Miller, he saw him going places.

“I think he is the type of person that would represent many areas on the city council between the university community, whether it be students or administration, and also individuals in the Carbondale community,” Brewer said. “I have nothing but praise for him.”

Miller said his willingness to work with others and his attention to detail would greatly help him serve the City of Carbondale.

“I believe the success I have overseen here, because of the great team I have had, my ability to work as a team player, my understanding of budgets and my drive and passion to serve my community are great reasons why I think the council should consider my application,” Miller said.

Miller said the city budget is the main issue currently facing the council, but other prominent issues cannot go unnoticed.

“My number one priority, aside from solving the budget issue, would be reinvestment in the small businesses here in Carbondale,” he said. “I would love to see a redevelopment of the strip, but I think also we have to make sure we respect the tax payers’ dollars.”

Miller said public safety is a concern. Crime in the community is a reflection of the lack of attention to the youth, he said.

“It is a sensitive topic but it is something the council needs to deal with and talk about,” he said. “We need mentors for our youth.”

Tracy Shorter, a sophomore from Chicago studying business administration, serves as executive assistant and senator for the USG. Shorter said Miller’s approach to solving issues makes him a great candidate for the position.

“I know for a fact Adrian is more than prepared,” Shorter said. “With his attitude and his approach to every situation, I feel he can do nothing but get better.”

Miller also has served on local boards such as the Carbondale High School Education Foundation Board, the Sustainability Commission, the Southern Illinois Regional Social Services Committee and the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.

The deadline for all applications for the vacant city council position is Feb. 14.

Kyle Sutton can be reached at [email protected], on Twitter at @KyleSutton_DE or at 536-3311 ext. 268.