Miller calls it a career for Littleton board

    LITTLETON, Maine — Twenty-three years is a long time for one to spend in local politics, especially when it was something they never intended to do.
Gerald “Gerry” Miller retired from the Littleton Board of Selectmen Monday evening, ending a 23-year career with the municipality. Miller was honored Saturday with a surprise dinner at the Horn of Plenty restaurant in Houlton, where he was presented with a plaque by Town Manager Courtney Toby.
“Gerry always had the town’s best interest in mind whenever he made a decision,” Toby said. “He conducted himself professionally at all times, whether it was during town business or his own business. Since I have been here we have had a couple meetings where the citizen’s have had strong feelings of opposition and he has handled the confrontation in a way that pleased everyone. He has a special way with words and he chooses what he speaks wisely as not to offend anyone. It has been a pleasure working with Gerry. Everyone respects him and he will be missed.”
Miller got his start with the municipal government back in 1985, taking two-years off at one point to give someone else a chance to experience town politics.  Raymond Wotton was the individual who first got him interested in town politics
“When Raymond asked me if I’d be interested in running [for the board], I don’t think the thought had ever crossed my mind,” Miller said.
A lifetime potato farmer, Miller said his occupation afforded him the opportunity to serve the community
“I have been very fortunate,” Miller said. “My father (Arnold) and I farmed together for many, many years. When I first started as selectmen, it just worked out that I could take the time off that I needed to. I have some very good people working for me over the years and that also allowed me to do this job.”
The decision to retire was not an easy one, Miller admitted. Each time his term on the board was up, Miller considered getting done, but no other individuals seemed to be interested in taking over.
“I made up my mind three years ago that when I ran then it would be my last term,” Miller said. “For no reason other than somebody else should have a turn. I think you can stay too long and I didn’t want that to happen.”
Miller said the two biggest events he will remember from his time as a selectman were the closure of the town dump and the closure of the Littleton Elementary School.
“Those were probably the two most emotional issues I had to deal with,” Miller said. “There has been many other smaller things, but those were the ones that stand out.”
Over the years, Miller has worked with four town managers — Anna Schools, Roberta Schools, Jennifer Gogan and Toby. He has also worked with just one fire chief [Dwight Cowperthwaite] during his tenure.
“All of the managers and board members I have worked with have been excellent,” Miller said. “Littleton’s been blessed in that there has not been any hidden agendas with all the people that work with the town.”
Miller said he hopes others in the town will find as much enjoyment serving the community as he has over the years.
“It’s a real good job with real good people, so I have always enjoyed it,” Miller said. “More people ought to try it, but not a lot of people seem interested. I enjoy the job as much today as I did when I started. As long as you treat people fair, it’s pretty hard to get into trouble.”