Harold C. Miller Jr., the grandson of Guyanese-born immigrants, told Caribbean Life that he has a history of getting things done and is convinced he will deliver on his promises to correct the inequities in healthcare and address housing security for homeowners and tenants, among other pressing issues when he is elected to serve in the NYC Council District 27 in Southeast Queen.
A resident of St. Albans, a diverse neighborhood that encompasses Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, and Springfield Gardens, Miller plans to extend his expertise gained as deputy commissioner for Community Engagement in the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit.
He plans to use much-needed dollars from the state to fully resource to improve education, while investing in after school programs and non-profit organizations, with a focus on violence interruption, to benefit the community.
“I will be working with local organizations to provide those resources necessary to keep young people off the streets,” said the politician.
Miller, who advocated for Universal Pre-K to the state legislature, and eased the path for faith-based developers to develop affordable housing and directed resources for public safety, said with a new mayor, comptroller, and 30 new council members being voted in, he is ready to take on the role as a city council member on day one.
“I feel I am in the best position do so. With my experience in city government, my 20 years in community organizing, I will be able to hit the ground running, not only to advocate for the residents of District 27, I will also be able to navigate through city government.”
“We have a lot of important issues on the table. Come 2022, we will still be in COVID-19 recovery, which means, I will address inequities in our healthcare. I will also make sure there are transportation options, by advocating for reliable bus and train services in Southeast Queens,” said Miller.
The former campaign field director for the mayoral race, Miller also served as community organizer with the New York Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (NY ACORN).
He recalled his family values and philosophies on getting a solid education, instilled by his grandparents Ilene and Harold C. Miller Sr., (deceased) who raised him.
Miller helped organize thousands of ACORN members to lobby in Albany for affordable housing, lobby local city council members to put up proper lighting in a community park, and organized several upstate municipalities to divest from banks such as Chase and Bank of America in protest for their role in the foreclosure crisis more than 10 years ago.
“I am going out to make sure voters get to know me,” he said, adding that a large volunteer phone bank operation is in place to reach seniors and others in the district.
“I am organizing the broadest coalition of any candidate in this race, that’s what really separates me from anyone else. Especially when I have the support, not only from direct neighbors, who are mostly West Indian and African American but the Bangladeshi community. I have support from different ethnicities of people who live in the district,” he assured.
Miller, who was endorsed by State Senator James Sanders, the Hotel Trade Council, Stonewall Democrats Club of New York, Churches United for Fair Housing, Bangladeshi Americans for Political Progress, Working Families Party, and others said, “what I love most about this district, is, there is a true sense of community.”
“Neighbors look after each other. There is a sense of pride for the rich heritage of the community.”
Miller, who has his wife and best friend, Tunisha Walker-Miller and their two boys Quincy-Elton and Noah, beside him as he campaigns to represent his community, is passionate about organizing low-income people to fight for their rights on issues such as affordable housing, education, living wage and against predatory lending.
“I will be an effective legislator,” said the former Mayor’s Office liaison who worked with faith-based organizations, and fought for civil rights and social justice, as a senior liaison officer.
“My ability to navigate the government systems means that I can immediately get to work and my connection to community organizing and community organizations means I can bring people together to ensure that we’re listening to everyone’s voice.
“We need more folks who come from community organizing to serve in public office and I’m excited to bringing my experience to work for the people,” Miller told the press.
