Author: Aaron Biterman
Date: April 16, 2001

Holland, MI -- Tell 18-year-old school board candidate Jason Miller that he doesn't have a chance to be one of the top two vote-getters in the June election, and you'll be met with skepticism. "I'm going to win this race," says the young idealist.

Running in a non-partison race for the school board of the district, from which he graduated early this past January, Miller believes that a former student would better know about decisions in the public schools than an adult resident. "Because I served as student representative to the school board, I have an insider's understanding of the issues without the corruption inherent to the entrenched interests," Miller said. "I know how the school system works. I've seen what's wrong with it. And I know how to fix it."

Miller also served on the district's curriculum council. His technological knowledge and employment at a leading local Internet Service Provider is expected to factor into his campaign. "Hudsonville needs to catch up with the information age. Better use of technology can save money, increase parent-student awareness, and prepare our students for the jobs of tommorow. If we're going to offer an education, we should offer a good education. And technology needs to be a part of that."

Hudsonville School Board elections are historicaly unopposed and have voter turnout at less than 1%--something Miller wishes to change. He is planning a grass-roots campaign that will include volunteers and hard work on his part: he is pledging to knock on every door in the district. "This year voters will have a choice. Hudsonville voters have supported school choice and lower taxes. As a Libertarian, those are two issues I control the table on. But I believe in simple, common sense ideas to improve the quality of our public schools. And I believe voters will accept these ideas."

Hudsonville will vote June 11 for two seats on their local school board. The Miller for School Board website has extensive issue statements on the issues facing the members of Miller's district. View the website at www.hudsonville.com/electmiller.

To donate to the Miller for School Board campaign, send Jason Miller an e- mail at ,a href="mailto:jcmiller@egl.net">jcmiller@egl.net.