David in the News

The Southern:

State Rep. Miller makes pitch for comptroller

CARBONDALE – If Illinois wants to put more transparency into its budget, state Rep. David Miller says it needs to be easier for the average citizen to read and understand.

Miller, Democratic candidate for comptroller, said people won’t begin to trust their government again until the state uses its resources and the power of technology to bring it to them in an open and honest form.

If elected, Miller promises to put in-depth budget information online within six months.

“I think the general public is in no mood to have a tax increase and no accountability of where it is going,” Miller said.

People can’t go online right now to find out how much the state spends in any specific area, Miller said. In an age where technology allows for that kind of access, Illinoisans deserve such an outlet, he said.

“The shell games have to end,” Miller said of gimmicks that have largely propped up state budgets since the days of ex-Gov. George Ryan.

Miller sees the comptroller as the state officer who should be the one to sound the trumpet on problems within the budget. He lauded the efforts of current state comptroller, Dan Hynes, but said the future of the office depends upon a more “visionary” approach.

Miller has been a state representative in the 29th District since 2001. A Lynwood resident, he is assistant majority leader of the House. He also continues to work as a dentist.