Today’s PORA Spotlight allows us to check in with Bob Miller, PORA board vice president and Government Relations Committee chairman.
A 6.5-year resident of Sun City West who hails from South Dakota, Mr. Miller has been involved with the PORA board for more than two years.
Early in his time in Sun City West, Mr. Miller was introduced to PORA as part of the TORCH program. He recognized the organization as the quasi-government of Sun City West and wanted to be involved.
“I wanted to be active with county and state leaders,” he said.
No surprise. Mr. Miller brings tremendous experience in government relations to the table. In his home state of South Dakota, Mr. Miller was an assistant attorney general, a county attorney, a 15-year trial judge and a Supreme Court Justice for 16 years, 11 of which as Chief Justice. Appointed by then President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the Senate, he headed the State Justice Institute for 13 years. In that capacity he worked with congressional and state judicial leaders to allocate appropriated monies for state judicial systems.
Throughout his involvement with PORA, Mr. Miller has been involved with PORA’s government relations at all levels.
“We’re telling PORA’s story of being a strong advocate for Sun City West!” he said. “We are building strong relationships and a strong role with legislators, officials at Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, the Posse and Sheriff’s office, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman and have tremendously improved media relations.”
Mr. Miller worked early on with other board members to forge a relationship with the Arizona Corporation Commission. PORA, through Mr. Miller and PORA President Ralph Johnson, acts as an intervenor in utility rate cases before the ACC. It also coordinates and works closely with the Sun City Home Owners Association in rate cases, including the continued battle against water consolidation plans.
“We’ve developed a great relationship with the SCHOA board and we can help speak as one voice,” he said.
Mr. Miller is adamant about fostering good relations, also pointing to improved relationships with the Recreation Centers of Sun City West board and the Corte Bella board. Corte Bella has been preemptive in their examination of a proposed transfer station.
“It works to work together is how I view it!” Mr. Miller said.
An effort was made last year to also support and give space to the Dysart Unified School District to help them further information about their school bond initiative to Sun City West residents.
The constant theme from the PORA Board members is increasing membership.
“If we strengthen membership, we represent a stronger majority,” he said, highlighting PORA’s role in protecting the interests of the Sun City West Community.
PORA officials created a task force to recruit individuals interested in joining the board and serving on committees that further PORA’s role.
“We are recruiting people who want to help further our mission and make a commitment to being involved,” Mr. Miller said.
The board can potentially include seasonal residents where it has not in the past. There are so many benefits to being a PORA board member and the membership benefits for the residents is immeasurable. We will build on the strength of the advocacy that PORA provides.
Editor’s Note: Cynthia Young is PORA communications director.
