Steve Miller will be sworn in as Rockmart’s new mayor in January 2012.

Miller, former city councilman, will assume the position held by longtime Mayor Curtis Lewis.

He is in favor of term limits and plans to present the idea of amending the charter to limit the mayor to no more than two consecutive terms and three for city council.

“People feel their government should change,” he said. “It is their government and sometimes leaders — local, state and national — lose touch with their constituents.”

Miller praised Lewis for his leadership during the past decade. As a former councilman, he said he was part of the decision making that brought a new municipal complex and other projects to completion.

“A lot of good things have happened here during the past several years,” he said.

The new mayor also hopes to work with council members on ways to focus on crime.

“This was one of the top priorities of people I met during my campaign,” he said. “There is great concern about safety in this and other area communities.”

As a Rockmart councilman, Miller has also been a part of intergovernmental meetings where this matter was discussed.

However, despite the talk he said little action has been taken. He hopes this can change.

“I would like to see us focus more on an investigative branch in our police departments — city and county — to solve crimes,” he said. “Investigation is an important part in solving cases.”

Miller will also reacquaint himself with activity within Rockmart’s government since he left his council post.

“I was very pleased to see the decision was made to purchase more property for recreational use,” he said. “Jeff Hulsey has done a great job with our recreational programs.”

Miller hopes his tenure will see projects completed that have been started during tough economic times.

“We have been very fortunate during the past 10 years to maintain personnel and remain in a good financial position,” he said.

“I am prepared to move our City forward in a positive direction,” he added