‘Newslady’ Miles joins race for CEO
by Andy Phelan
andy@dekalbchamp.com
Steen Miles |
Former news anchor and state senator Steen “Newslady” Miles announced April 15 at the International Village in Chamblee she is running for DeKalb County CEO.
The veteran lawmaker, journalist and author finished third in the 2000 CEO race, earning 15 percent of the vote. She also finished third in the Democratic nomination for lt. governor in 2006.
Miles, who said her priorities are economic development, transportation and water conservation, indicated her candidacy is anything but the status quo.
Not only would she support commissioners setting their own agendas and running their own meetings, which will be put to voters in a referendum this fall, but she would also demand that her department heads be more responsive to commissioners’ concerns.
In regard to the recent forensic audit that showed the current administration spent millions of dollars that circumvented county protocol, Miles was less forgiving.
“Politics is the business of the people,” she said. “And people are no longer willing to tolerate the art of the deal.”
She joins a crowded field vying for the CEO spot that includes Joe Bembry, Commissioner Burrell Ellis, Tracey McMeen, Angela Scott Miller, Calvin Sims and state Rep. Stan Watson. The CEO’s Chief of Staff Ann Wead Kimbrough is also considering a run.
Miles, 61, a 27-year resident of the county, said she made the decision Sunday to add her name to the race.
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