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He’s the ‘Wiz’
by Brian Egeston
be@brianwrites.com
Less than five hours after the DeKalb Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 against the appointment of a public safety officer, CEO Burrell Ellis used his executive power to appoint attorney William ‘Wiz’ Miller as the public safety director for the county.
Miller is a prosecutor in the DeKalb County District Attorney’s office. He is a 23-year veteran of the DeKalb County Police Department, according to a release issued by the CEO.
Miller will be responsible for coordinating public safety activities among DeKalb’s public safety departments, the public safety agencies of DeKalb’s municipalities and other relevant agencies and entities, the release stated.
“The problems of public safety in our county are too serious, too pressing and too important to allow for further delay,” said Ellis at a press conference. “The time for action is now. I have therefore decided to utilize my executive power and authority to create the position of public safety director.”
Ellis said the position will require approximately $285,000 [annually] in funding, which includes allotment for an administrative assistant for the public safety officer. “We’ve identified some savings in our police department. Obviously there is the money that’s been set aside by the board of commissioners.
If that’s decided to be appropriated, then that’s available as well, but we have identified savings and we feel capable of moving forward.” Miller said he seeks to provide a blanket of protection for the county. “While it’s an honor, I am truly humbled by the challenges and opportunities that lay before us,” said Miller. “Make no mistake, there is a lot of work to do.”
DeKalb County commissioners were surprised by Ellis’ decision and learned of the appointment through a press release. “We want what’s in the best interest of DeKalb County,” said Commissioner Connie Stokes. “We always want to give anyone who is hired the benefit of the doubt.”
Commissioner Elaine Boyer was one of the three commissioners who voted in favor of the position at the morning’s board meeting. “I was excited from the beginning to have a public safety director,” said Boyer. “I’ve worked under both scenarios, with and without. The only concern I have is that I don’t want a department, I want it to be someone to coordinate [functions.]”
After the morning meeting, Commissioner Lee May said the position was not dead even though the motion failed. May said he was concerned about a public safety officer having the personnel and budget control over the police department.
“The question is do we as a board have any approval to the appointment even within [Ellis’] own department,” said May. “That’s a question for the legal department to respond to us.” May spoke favorably of Miller and his qualifications. May and Miller are Leadership DeKalb classmates.
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