CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Longtime Charleston City Councilman Jon Miller has resigned.
Miller, who served as Councilman for Ward 17, sent a letter to Charleston Mayor and council members last week to announce his resignation.
In the letter, dated Jan. 5, 2017, Miller said “it is with great regret that I am resigning as Councilman from Ward 17 due to health issues.”
Miller represented the Kanawha City section of Charleston for more than 13 years.
Charleston Mayor Danny Jones announced Miller’s resignation Monday morning on his talk show “580 Live” heard on MetroNews affiliate 580-WCHS.
“That’s a very difficult situation when you’ve got somebody that’s been on Council that long, any Council member for that matter, but sickness and illness keeps you from serving your constituents,” Jones said.
Miller had not shown up to a City Council meeting since Oct. 3, 2016, Jones said.
Charleston attorney Rusty Webb, also on Jones’ show Monday, called Miller “a class act.”
“He has his priorities straight. He has God first, family second and community third, which I very much idolize,” Webb said. “To the public, what he will be most known for are his commercials, his public service announcements.”
Miller’s letter concluded with a statement thanking his fellow council members.
“Councilmembers, you have been a second family to me (us). You watched as Johna became a young woman — while, from age 10 she did her homework in Council Chambers. I am grateful for our years of service together,” he said.
Miller was first elected in 2003 to represent what was then the 18th Ward. In 2015, he began representing the 17th Ward.
Councilwoman Mary Jean Davis said in a statement:
“John is a true gentleman who has served his friends and neighbors, the City of Charleston to the best of his ability! He was tireless with detail and attention to issues. John will be missed by us all!! We wish him the very best and thank him for his friendship and service!”