Gouverneur mayor strives for community’s trust [Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.]

Dec. 21--GOUVERNEUR -- Mayor Christopher A. Miller pledged Tuesday that he would strive to overcome his criminal past by working for the betterment of his community.

Board members, along with Dorothy L. Vorce, the village's part-time administrator and the former mayor who Mr. Miller defeated, said they would try to help him succeed.

"I hope to earn the respect of the community," Mr. Miller said at a village Board of Trustees meeting. "I have never not told anyone anything they have asked me. I'm an open book. I hope to move forward every day."

Many in Gouverneur were surprised to learn after the November election that Mr. Miller had felony convictions in North Carolina for drug possession and forgery and misdemeanor convictions in New York for petit larceny and criminal trespass.

Mr. Miller's words at the meeting came after Gary Van Ornum, a creditor of Mr. Miller's, said during the public comment period that anyone running for office in the village should be investigated first.

Donna L. Sawyer asked for the stone-throwing to stop.

"Is there anybody in this room who led a perfect life?" she said. "We have a new mayor. His name is Chris Miller. Let's support what we have."

Mr. Van Ornum was not appeased.

"I'll throw all the stones I want," he said.

Trustee Roger A. LaPierre said Mr. Miller knew when he declared his candidacy that winning would create difficulties, such as not being able to sign checks because the village's insurance carrier will not bond him.

"He ran for an office. He can't fulfill that obligation," Mr. LaPierre said. "He can't do certain things within his office."

Regardless, Mr. LaPierre said he will work with Mr. Miller.

"I will help. We just need to know what everybody's position is," he said. "I'm on the board, enough said."

Mr. LaPierre also defended Mrs. Vorce, who was appointed part-time administrator before Mr. Miller took office.

"She is taking on a job that is thankless," he said. "She doesn't need this job."

Mrs. Vorce said she had no grudge against Mr. Miller.

"I'm willing to work with Chris and I've told him so," she said.

Although several of the roughly two dozen audience members suggested Mrs. Vorce have office hours, she declined.

"If the public is upset because I'm not going to be in the office twiddling my thumbs, all they have to do is say so," she said. "I don't need the grief."

Without her and with an inexperienced mayor and trustees with other obligations, the village would have to hire a full-time administrator, she said.

"It isn't going to come as cheap as this old girl or as willing," she said. "I can't please everybody."

Trustee Charles W. Newvine said Mr. Miller's phase-in could take time, but was necessary.

"I'm ready to work," he said.

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