Rep. Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks, dist. 7) is the newest member of the House Democratic caucus. He upset three-term Republican Mike Kelly during the November election and says he hopes his skills as a former TV anchorman and actor will serve him well during his time in Juneau.
Q: What’s it like to be here?
REP. MILLER: It’s a little overwhelming. There’s just so much to learn, so many books to read, so many documents to go through, and so many meetings to attend, but at the same time it’s been one of my wildest dreams that if I was independently wealthy I would go to a university somewhere, study history and language and probably nothing else.
In this position I have experts, I have PhDs, I have commissioners, I have teachers, I have workmen, I have corporate heads that are happy to come to my office and give me a private education. It’s fantastic and I can engage them as much as I need to ask them whatever questions I like. It’s wonderful, it’s a great education.
Q: Aside from the main energy and budget issues, is there anything you plan to make a priority?
REP. MILLER: I have a bill floating along to make sure that genetically modified or farmed salmon are properly labeled.
One thing I’m hoping for, and I'm already finding evidence for it, is that there are more things that unite the people who are here as Representatives and Senators. We find much more common ground so far than we find places to be divided.
I take for example the 11 members that are the interior delegation. I don't think in any of my discussions so far, of any of the things we find important, is there much dissent. We’re all recognizing the same common items that need to be addressed.
Q: What’s been the toughest part about the task of public service?
REP. MILLER: Money… I’m a poor working guy just like you. Just being able to get to Juneau has been a task and (so have) the logistics, the actual moving and getting here.
Q: Do you miss working in news?
REP. MILLER: I do. Terribly, more than you can imagine. I was an anchor for 11 years at Channel 11 (KTVF) and then 2 years at Channel 13 (KXD) and it was very satisfying to do that level of work. I used to do a lot of theater. My wife says I have the disease. I really like being “on.”
Q: Well there are sometimes theatrics in the legislature...
REP. MILLER: I’m trying to keep those to a minimum, but yes, it’s very true. You have to strike a balance between good storytelling and theatrics.
This conversation has been edited for the purpose of readability.
