"Rep. Mills has served the people of Georgia in the state House of Representatives for nearly 20 years and has been closely involved in the most difficult and important matters our state faces," Deal said. "The duties of the Pardons and Paroles board involve equally important and difficult decisions. James Mills is a man of strong faith, who will ably balance our hopes for rehabilitation with our need for community safety. He is a small businessman, husband, father, church volunteer and community leader; he'll bring all these perspectives to his work on this board."
Mills will resign from the House on Oct. 1, clearing the way for a special election to the District 25 seat on Nov. 8. The governor announced the decision early so that voters may choose Mills' successor during regular local elections in November, providing a cost savings and ensures the district will have representation when the legislative session begins in January.
JAMES MILLS
Mills first won election to the state House of Representatives in 1992. He serves on the Appropriations, Ways and Means, Banks and Banking and Rules committees. The Mercer University graduate owns and operates mini-storage warehouses. Mills and his wife, Rita, have been married for nearly three decades and they have four children.
Mills confirmed Wednesday night that he was Deal's choice for the post and that he was accepting the offer.
"I am honored to have been considered and appointed to this position," Mills told AccessNorthGa.com. "The possibility of this has been discussed for several months with the Governor's office and I am thankful to have this opportunity."
Mills added "Every decision made by the pardon and parole board affects someone's life and I take this very seriously."
The board has been in the news in recent days as it rejected clemency for Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis, who was executed Wednesday night. (See separate story.)
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
State Rep. James Mills
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/9/242120