Brownwood City Councilman Draco Miller was unanimously elected mayor pro-tem at Tuesday’s city council meeting. The motion came from long time mayor pro-tem Carl McMillan at Tuesday morning’s meeting of the council.
51-year-old Miller is in his second term as city councilman serving the people of Ward 4.
Miller stated that he is excited about the election to the position of mayor pro-tem, as this is a step forward in a lifelong dream he has had to one day become Brownwood’s first African American mayor.
“I was born and raised in Brownwood, I live here, and I will die here,” said Miller. “I have a vested interest in the City of Brownwood.”
He stated that he has a huge respect for Stephen Haynes, the current mayor of Brownwood, and that he does not wish to run against Haynes in the future. Miller stated that he plans to follow Haynes and be a student to learn what it takes to fill that position.
“I have learned a lot from Mayor Haynes, Bobby Rountree, and all of my council members,” said Miller. He continued stating that he has a deep respect for Mayor Haynes. “He is sharp, an intelligent man, and passionate about Brownwood. I like that about Mayor Haynes. He knows a lot about policy and procedure being an attorney.”Miller stated although he wants to represent his neighbors as an African American, his position (as councilman and mayor pro-tem) is not about the color of his skin, but that he plans to continue to be a fair leader and will look out for all of the people of Brownwood.
“I want the city of Brownwood to know that they have a guy that will listen to anyone,” he said.
Miller explained that Bennie Houston was the first African American to sit on the Brownwood City council in the 1970s and that he was the second after being elected to the council four years ago. He stated that he desires for the people of his ward to be leaders within the community noting the importance of giving back to the community where you live. For Miller, Brownwood is where he calls home, where he got “his start,” and where he gets his support, which makes him passionate and honored to be appointed mayor pro-tem.
