BAND MEMBER ELECTED FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN COMMISSIONER IN RAMSEY COUNTY

By Aabawaagiizhigookwe, Toya Stewart Downey

If there’s anyone who knows that every single vote matters it’s Band member, Kelly Miller who was victorious in a hotly contested race for the District 7 commissioner seat in Ramsey County.

Miller, who had never run for a public office before, won during the November election by just 28 votes. Her opponent requested a recount, which ended up showing she had earned three additional votes making her slim victory margin just a bit greater.

“Local elections are really important because this is where the work gets done,” said Miller who was sworn in on Jan. 7 after winning despite having fewer dollars, a smaller campaign, and not a lot of name recognition.

“Voting is crucial because it can have a significant local impact. That's why it's essential for everyone eligible to vote to make their voice heard,” said Miller who is the first Native American Commissioner for Ramsey County.

Her decision to run wasn’t one that she had cultivated for a long time, nor was it a path she considered until fate presented the opportunity one afternoon in November 2023.

"I was presenting to the board on economic mobility and I mentioned I was a Maplewood resident because I thought it was important that they know, I work in Ramsey County but am a resident,” she said. "As I was leaving, the board chair ran after me and told me I should consider running for the soon to be vacant seat"

The longtime commissioner, who had held her seat for 28 years, was retiring, which would leave an opening for a new comer.

“That’s how it started. I met with staff in December 2023 and because of my work was back in front of them for a work shop,” she said. “I got good vibes when I was around then and it was really uplifting. They told me not to hesitate to reach out if I had questions or wanted to talk about the role.”

Miller, who is in her mid-30’s, and her partner, Terrence, are the parents of two elementary school-aged children, EllaMarie and Terrence. That means the couple already had busy sched ules, and Miller’s role as the Chief Program Officer at Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul was demanding.

In that role, Miller oversaw programs that provide essential services such as food support, housing stability, and emergency assistance for families across Ramsey County.

“I had concerns and was worried about it but when I learned more about the role and impact something inside me was like I should just do it.”

Shortly after, she took a much-needed vacation and reflect ed on her decision. At the time, she recognized that running for office would require significant resources, and her busy schedule made the timing challenging. She initially planned to inform her supporters upon her return that she would not be moving forward with the campaign, but she came to realize that her passion for making a difference far outweighed the challenges she faced.

She attended her first caucus event on Feb. 27, 2024 (which was also her birthday.) In May 2024, she attended her first DFL endorsing Convention for Ramsey County Commissioners.

Her candidacy was supported and she was added to the ballot by just one vote. Her next hurdle was the primary elec tion in August. At that time four candidates were vying for the same seat. When it was over, it was between her and another person who were moving to the November ballot.

Throughout her campaign and to raise her profile and get her name out there, Miller went door-knocking, made phone calls, sent text messages, and attended community events.

“I really tried to make myself known and tell people why I was the best candidate for the seat,” she said. “It was like a second job and looking back I wonder how I did all of that.”

Her children accompanied her on the campaign trail and would door-knock with her on weekends. While she had lots of allies and supporters, there were less than 10 people who were actively and routinely there throughout the election to help with the heavy lift of campaigning.

Along the way, she continued to win supporters and endorsements. Miller, who resigned from her role as director of the Department of Indian Work (which is a division of Interfaith Action) in November will be working full-time as a commissioner during her four-year term. She said it wasn’t easy to leave the organization where she started as an intern. She began working there through a work experience program and advanced her career eventually becoming the director of the program.

“When organizations say they need to grow their own and grow leaders to represent us, that was my story at the Department of Indian Work,” she said “I grew professionally and personally to who I wanted to be for myself, my family, and to help our community.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunities they provided,” she said. “I’m a prime example of them doing what their mission is. I understood what it was like losing subsidies, I understood crisis … I went through that myself.”

The Department of Indian Work was her second home. Her children helped in the food shelf, including stocking supplies and making Thanksgiving bags for those in need. She admits she will miss the work and miss those she worked with, who became a second family to her.

Miller, who grew up in Onamia and the Twin Cities, said her path hasn’t been easy. She graduated from Onamia High School in 2006 She experienced challenges over a five-year period, including substance abuse issues and spending time in jail. When asked if she wanted to skip over that part of her story, she said, “No. People know me and know about that time in my life.”

It’s not something she’s proud of, but it’s her story and she hopes others can learn from her experience or know that no matter what the circumstances they can still live a good life and serve others.

Miller, who got her associate's degree from St. Paul College in 2023, is working on her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and is majoring in American Indian Studies. She expects to graduate in 2027.

What does she hope to do in this role?

As one of seven commissioners, she helps oversee the county government including its services and more than an $800 million budget.

“I was elected by my peers and am appointed to sit on boards on behalf of the community, including internal committees and external boards,” she said. “I sit on the mosquito board and I’m excited to learn about that.”

She wants to “be a voice for all communities … not just Native communities. I want to ensure our county services are effective and timely.”

“People come to the county when in crisis … so we need to ensure the services are delivered efficiently and ensure our county works for all residents — while being environmentally sustainable.

“I want to help lead the way at being inclusive, racial equity and ensure our marginalized groups bring voices to the table.”