Constance A. Miller, 49, of Oxford, was recently appointed to a newly-established county board that will deal exclusively with women’s issues.
Miller will serve a one-year term on the Women’s Commission for Oakland County, a 25-member board created to survey the status of the county’s women and assess their needs in order to help improve their health, safety, education, economic and social autonomy, earnings and employment.
‘I hope I can bring a unique perspective to the table,? Miller said. ‘I’ve never been one to base my whole identity around the fact that I’m a woman. That isn’t the end all, be all of who I am.?
‘To me, public issues are not male and female, they’re about people and what affects one of us, no matter who it is, affects us all,? she explained. ‘The issues facing women also affect fathers, husbands, sons and brothers. So, to characterize them as strictly women’s issues, as if they affect no one else, is kind of a misnomer. I want to make sure this point of view is represented on the women’s commission.?
Each of the women’s commission’s 25 members, who will serve as unpaid volunteers, was appointed by their respective Oakland County commissioner.
‘I’ve known Connie for a long time and always known her to be very active in the community and different organizations,? said Commissioner Brad Jacobsen (R-Oxford). ‘She’s never been one to be shy about letting people know her opinions. If you’re going to have someone sitting on a commission or on a board, they have to be outspoken enough to tell people what they think.?
A resident of the village since 1991, Miller was active in the Oxford Public Library Friends for many years, serving in various offices including president. She’s also a former member of the Oxford Women’s Club and past president.
Back in the 1990s, Miller actively campaigned for various local political issues including the bond/millage to build a new library in Oxford and millages for police and fire services.
In September 2005, she participated in the local convoy which transported bottled water and other supplies to Oxford, Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina evacuees staying in and around that area.
These days Miller has been primarily focused on work and being a wife and mother, but she looks forward to once again contributing to her community in a positive way.
‘I’m very grateful for this opportunity to once again contribute something to the common good,? Miller said. ‘I was flattered and humbled when Brad asked me to do this.?
‘I’m excited that she’s willing to serve and I’m sure she’ll do a fine job,? Jacobsen said.
The women’s commission is scheduled to meet four times a year with additional meetings as necessary. It is not intended to be a political-oriented organization.