Councilwoman Miller's Communication With Constituents Had Mixed Success

Editor's note: This is the second in a three part series that focuses on outgoing Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, who served the 8th Councilmanic District for 16 years throughout the course of four terms. Part 3 is coming Friday. .

Residents have expressed dissatisfaction lately with Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller’s lack of communication with those whom she represents, but some organizations within the 8th District speak highly of her attentiveness to their concerns. 

Dan Muroff said that during his time as president of , the organization never had major problems with Miller, who ends a 16-year career this month. She'll be replaced by Cindy Bass on Monday.

Miller was particularly responsive when addressing EMAN’s concerns about zoning issues.

“She would respect our recommendations, and that has value,” Muroff said.

Kevin Peter, who is the former president, said both Miller and her staff were easy to get in touch with and said she often supported WMAN’s stances on zoning issues.

“We had a really good working relationship with the councilwoman and her staff,” he said.

Anuj Gupta, who for a year has served as executive director for , also said his experiences with Miller have been positive and said her staff was helpful.

“I met with her soon after I started and had a good conversation with her,” Gupta said in an e-mail. “That followed with very good engagement from her staff around we are pursuing." 

Miller was invited to parties and fundraisers hosted by these groups, but usually did not attend. Miller rarely grants interviews, and . Her office did not respond to a request for comment.

Prior to the election, many Mt. Airy voters voiced their concerns about slow response and lack of transparency from Miller’s office. At , voters expressed a desire for a more easily accessible candidate.

The sentiment was repeated Dec. 14 when West Mt. Airy Neighbors . Bass repeated , a proposition that appeals to many voters who are bothered by weak communication from their local governments. Like most council members, Miller did not have a district office. That's something City Council does not pay for.

While there is no official space designated yet, Bass spokesman Joseph Corrigan said Friday that an interim office in Mt. Airy has almost been established for Bass. The councilwoman’s staff will have office hours that will include some nights and possibly weekends.

Bass told WMAN board members at the Dec. 14 discussion that, come January, they would be able to reach her or her staff by phone and set up meetings.

“We won’t always agree on everything … but I will always come and talk to you,” Bass said.