By John Fredericks / STAFF

Alpharetta council candidate Tom Miller has been branded by his detractors – and his opponents – as being anti-development and not friendly to the city’s business interests.

But Alpharetta Councilman and noted businessman D.C. Aiken thinks otherwise. So much so that he has publicly endorsed Miller for in his Post 3 race, and backed it up with a sizeable cash donation to his campaign.

Aiken’s endorsement could be a difference maker in the campaign for Miller, who is campaigning to replace Councilmember John Monson, who chose not to seek re-election to a second term.

Aiken said Alpharetta is fortunate to “have three quality candidates” running for Post 3. He explained that he met with all the candidates and decided Miller was the best choice. “They all are all running for the right reasons,” offered Aiken, “but Miller has the most experience in dealing with the complex issues of city government.” Aiken proffered that Miller’s extensive Homeowner Association experience – Miller was president of the Windward Homeowner Association for nine years – is a critical factor in his decision. “He has the pulse of the people,” Aiken concluded. 

AGREE TO DISAGREE

Aiken claimed that he and Miller don’t always see to eye to eye on policy, but the veteran councilman said that is another good reason why he prefers Miller. “He fights for what he believes in, he asks the tough questions and he isn’t afraid to stake out a position,” Aiken said. “That trait is an asset to the city – he sparks intelligent debate.”

Aiken said that Miller has been involved in a plethora of zoning decisions over the years, from North Point Parkway to Windward Mill to Prospect Park. “The biggest challenge facing our city will come in the next five years when the economy turns,” Aiken predicted. “Alpharetta will be facing an influx of new development and will have an opportunity to take another bite of the apple of old development projects that need to be [re-kindled] and re-zoned.”

Aiken theorized that Miler would be a “tremendous asset in those negotiations.”

When asked if Miller was anti-business, Aiken answered with an emphatic “no,” and added, “look at where Miller has been and what he does professionally. He’s a savvy business executive and he sees the same things from an economic perspective that I do.” Aiken said. “If he was anti-business would I be endorsing him?” Aiken asked rhetorically. “Like me, Miller is for smart growth.”

MILLER BASKS IN AIKEN’S SUN

Understanding the stakes of the election, Miller was ebullient with Aiken’s endorsement. “It’s a strong vote of confidence for my candidacy by a well respected member of Alpharetta’s city council,” Miller said. Miller added that he and Aiken have worked on numerous projects over the years. “D.C. knows the quality of my work and he is familiar with my abilities,” Miller concluded. “That is why he endorsed me for city council.”

When questioned about his less-than-friendly business reputation, Miller scoffed at the reference. “It’s nonsense,” he said. “My opponents want to paint me as anti-development because they have nothing else.” Miller said that he has a track record of maintaining the “sensitive balance” between the needs of the developer, business and the homeowner. “I am not anti-development, Miller said. “I’m anti bad development.”

ODD MEN OUT OF THE D.C. SWEEPSTAKES

Two other candidates vying for the Post 3 council seat include retired business executive John Keim and cival engineer Chris Owens.

Keim wasted no time in reacting to Aiken’s surprise backing of Miller. “I find it amazing that D.C. is endorsing someone who publicly called him ‘arrogant’ [in last week’s Beacon], and I’m confused by that,” Keim said. “However,” Keim continued, “I give my congratulations to Miller, because D.C. is an outstanding member of the Alpharetta city council and a brilliant businessman. He really knows finance.”

But Keim maintained that trouble lies ahead if Miller wins. “Who is going to have the financial knowledge the city needs to manage its affairs?” Keim asked. “Alpharetta is faced with $45 million in debt and a pension plan that is 18 percent under-funded as of now. Who is going to be able to navigate the city through that?” Keim claimed that he was the only candidate on the November ballot with the skill set to fill that role.

When told of Keim’s allegation, Miller shot back: “I’m a finance professional. That’s what I do for a living.”

Owens took the endorsement in stride. “Every elected official has the prerogative to support whoever they choose,” Owens said, matter-of-factly. Owens asserted that his experience would carry him to victory, regardless. “My experience as a civil engineer working for Alpharetta in the past and currently having other cities and counties as clients differentiates me from my opponents,” Owens stated.

The three candidates, along with those from other posts, will square off in a debate sponsored by The Beacon and the Metropolitan Club on Windward Parkway on Tuesday, October 13. A cocktail reception, open and free to public, precedes the debate from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome.