Wife, mother, small businesswoman and supervisor in Lehigh Township, Northampton County, Cindy Miller announced Feb. 12 she has filed her nomination petitions and is running for state Representative in the 183rd Legislative District.

This is the seat held by state Rep. Julie Harhart,who announced she would not seek re-election.

Miller, a Republican, explained why she is running for state representative.

“Our working families and seniors need a strong advocate in Harrisburg who is committed to fighting for real property tax reform,” Miller said. “As township supervisor, I have controlled spending and have fought to protect property taxpayers.

“I will be a strong voice for all taxpayers in the state House, and a leader who will work for local residents.”

Miller said she will never forget her top priority is to represent the views and concerns of the hardworking men and women who call Lehigh and Northampton counties home.

“We cannot sit back and do nothing while our families lose jobs and our seniors lose their retirement savings,” said Miller. “I will put the needs of our communities first by working to keep the jobs we have and for the economic growth that creates new jobs, fighting for real property tax elimination, focusing on public health and safety, bringing fiscal discipline to government, and reforming the way Harrisburg works. I clearly understand the need for change.”

As a Lehigh Township supervisor, Miller says she has worked hard to enable local families to keep more of their hard-earned money by revamping the budget process, developing a capital improvement plan, instituting a road improvement plan, consolidating debt to save tax dollars, negotiating pension reform, and implementing strong policies to make local government more transparent for taxpayers.

“As a lifelong resident, mother, small businesswoman and local elected official, I have seen firsthand how the loss of good paying jobs, the serious drug epidemic and escalating property taxes are negatively affecting our families, children, grandchildren, and entire communities,” Miller said. “I’ll bring a different perspective to the debate in Harrisburg.”

Miller says her professional experience in the private sector and recently working for state Sen. Mario Scavello, R-40th, will serve her and local residents well as a member of the state House.

She worked for the Manufacturers Resource Center where she helped local businesses expand and create jobs.

Today, Miller serves as a field representative for Scavello.

In addition to effectively navigating state and local government on behalf of constituents seeking assistance, she is responsible for the management and tracking of key legislation to local residents, including property tax reform, transportation, education and more.

“In the legislature, I will use my background and experience to help establish a climate in Pennsylvania that promotes job growth by attracting new employers and enabling existing employers to expand and create jobs,” Miller said.

“I will also work with Sen. Scavello, and other like-minded legislators, to ensure the passage of a property tax elimination bill that provides real relief to seniors and all homeowners.”

Miller attended Northern Lehigh/Slatington High School before graduating from Shippensburg University and later earning a Master’s degree in business administration from Wilkes University.

Both her parents were blue-collar workers who worked hard to give their children a better life.

“Raised in a working class family, I understand that families and seniors cannot afford to pay more of their hard earned money toward higher taxes,” Miller said. “I am committed to bringing fiscal responsibility to state government, like I have already done at the local level of government. Now more than ever, we need leaders who will put their communities first. That is why I will always put people before politics.”

Miller also discussed the importance of improving the education system to ensure our future generations are best prepared for the always evolving job market.

“As the proud parent of children who attended our public schools, I am committed to providing our children with a quality education at a price that taxpayers can afford,” Miller said. “I believe we can best accomplish this by ensuring parents have local control over our public school system, and not federal and state bureaucrats who seem to only be driven by assessment tests and data.

Miller says as an active community leader, she has volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, secretary of Jaycees, co-developer of a literacy program, volunteer EMT, Sunday School teacher and treasurer for a Boy Scout Troop, among other activities.

Miller resides in Lehigh Township with her husband Ray. They have been married 32 years, have two sons, Joshua and Andrew and two dogs, Amber and Autumn.