Miller interviewed for city council seat

Havre City Council members interviewed Joshua Miller Thursday evening, an applicant for their vacant Ward 1 seat, left empty after Kimberly Bolta, elected in 2021, moved out of the ward and could no longer represent the area.

Miller said he was born and raised in Havre and he feels he would be a consistent and active leader, engaging with council members effectively to make Havre a better place.

"I think I'd be a solid leader representing the folks in Ward 1," he said. "... I have a huge interest in the community and I want to be a part of that."

He said he's a steadfast supporter of the city's various departments, particularly the Havre Police Department, Fire Department, emergency services and Public Works.

"(They're) the things that make this city what it is," he said.

In his resume he says he's had experience in law enforcement as a police officer in Cut Bank before an unexpected medical condition forced him to resign, and, more recently, he has worked in EMS.

During the interview Miller also talked about his time with the Hill County Weed and Mosquito control districts setting up their drone program which he said will increase the districts efficiency tremendously.

Miller said he wants to increase citizen participation in Havre's government and praised the recent establishment of monthly town halls.

However, he said, he thinks getting more people actively involved and engaging with the city is still a goal of his.

In his application letter he says he's always considered Havre his home, even during his short moves away from the area, and he feels he's in a good position to represent Ward 1, the citizens of which can trust him to look out for their interests and be open to their input.

Miller's letter says he thinks Havre is already a great place to live and work, but wants to see more businesses come to the area, and he wants to work toward the goal, in part by making Havre a more appealing place to live.

His letter says he thinks there are opportunities for the council to help clean up the city, and much of it can be done through small projects that will add up to a more attractive community.

The response of council members to the letter and Thursday's interview was very positive, with Councilperson Lindsey Ratliff saying he would be a great addition to the council.

"(He) has a lot of good skills, a wide variety of skills and I think that's a great asset to the council," Ratliff said.

Councilperson Heather Parker said he's just the kind of person she would want on the council and Councilperson Ed Matter said he looks forward to hopefully working with Miller.

Councilperson Denise Brewer concurred with her colleagues.

Council President Andrew Brekke said the matter of Miller's possible nomination and seating would be handled at next Monday's council meeting Monday at City Hall at 7 p.m.