SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Longtime columnist of ‘Tahoe Dad’ in Tahoe Mountain News, Gantt Miller says he was inspired to run for South Lake Tahoe’s city council because “we can do better.” His priorities include serving local families, children, retirees and locally owned businesses, as well as improving the safety, beauty and environmental stewardship that he believes defines South Lake Tahoe.
Miller says Gantt is an awkward name. “But I’m leaning into the awkwardness of that name for my campaign, like ‘I Gantt wait to work for Tahoe’ or ‘I Gantt stop.’ I’m hoping that will make the name recognition be funny and stick.”
Miller previously worked as a schoolteacher and transitioned into sales for Winco Window Company. But, he says, he always had an interest in government, in part due to his experience as a teacher. “It touches my soul when I see well-run government that has the best interests of the community and heart.”
Given his experience in volunteering in the community in youth-oriented activities, as well as his long history of fostering kids, Miller is interested in representing families and getting their voices heard in government.
“I would want to do a monthly council coffee to speak with the public, and I encourage families and kids to come speak,” he said. Notably, Miller has brought his own kids to city council meetings. “I think it’s good for kids to bring their thoughts to local government and see them gain traction.”
Miller emphasized the importance of transparency and listening to the public. “How you listen to people and how you treat them is a big deal. I feel like I’m a pretty open book and I have let people know my positions through my column, but I have an interest in meeting with people, including those with dissenting opinions.”
“The decisions council makes can have an immediate and significant impact to the community. My focus is on interconnectivity not just in our city, but across the whole Tahoe Basin with Caltrans, the counties, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and others,” said Miller.
One major platform point for Miller is safety in transportation. He said that the death of Giada Lancellotti got him thinking about safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and expressed an interest in reimagining the roads and using state and federal funds to create pedestrian open spaces.
“From my research, the outcomes for pedestrians and cyclists are the same here as they are in Oakland, adjusted per capita. I would love to have more cohesive transportation policies with bikes and am interested in pushing the needle there, as well as with the Caltrans study for safer roads in Tahoe.”
Miller’s site has a Tahoe Declaration of Independence, where he states “government exists to serve the people who live here, not distant corporate interests. We declare our independence from the idea that every successful mountain town must become an exclusive resort town. We reject the false choice between a strong tourism economy and a thriving local community.”
For that reason, housing is a major focus for Miller. “There’s a 44% vacancy rate here and we have to try to do something about that. I want to make Tahoe a viable, funky and accessible safe place to raise kids. What we have here is vanishing in other mountain towns. I don’t want us to sell our soul to absentee ownership and profits. We have to be diligent and careful in our approach, and if we provide for locals, tourists will come.”
Miller’s approach to rejecting corporate interests also extends to his campaign. “I don’t want to be beholden to anyone because they gave me money, so I’m trying to keep it grassroots.”
Miller says the economic model he tries to follow is something he hopes to promote for others. “I earn my money outside of the Tahoe Basin, but I spend it on local businesses, shops and events. I encourage that as a viable way to help us through our shoulder season.”
In line with that, Miller hopes that future city bids for work could be used to create local opportunities. His experience in construction led him to say, “We could be more creative about how we split projects so locals can have more opportunities to bid, and we can prioritize local contractors.”
Miller says that his construction experience also helps him with dealing with disagreements. “In commercial construction, you frequently are in situations where people disagree. I’m pretty good at keeping a level head, echoing sentiments and understanding people to build a path forward. It shows people with divergent interests can find solutions.”
Miller says he is looking forward to campaigning and canvassing. “I think it will be delightful.”
To read more about Gantt Miller’s campaign and platform, visit https://www.gantt4slt.org/.
