McMillan Sworn In

Missouri Supreme Court Justice Ronnie White administered the oath of office to the city's new License Collector, Michael McMillan, this morning before a sea of supporters and well-wishers. The former 19th ward alderman was elected in November with an overwhelming 82%, defeating his Republican opponent Pat Herod.

The Kennedy Hearing Room at City Hall was filled to the brim with friends, family, fellow aldermen, city officials and some of McMillan's constituents.

"They don't mind treating this place like Fox Theater; standing room only!" said Ida Goodwin Woolfolk. Woolfolk emceed the swearing in and lightly roasted the newly-minted License Collector calling him, "the cosmopolitan gentleman."

"He's a little like a little old man," said Woolfolk of McMillan's quest to know what her remarks would be.

She mostly praised McMillan who spent a decade representing the 19th ward, a ward she called a "paragon of progress." The ward has seen over $1 billion in investment since 1997. Woolfolk said McMillan is a devout Catholic, perpetually driven in his work, and exceptionally generous. She noted that his gift list this year was nearly 3,000 names long including constituents, colleagues and students.

Mayor Slay–who may be praising his successor if the prognosticators are correct–said McMillan has "tremendous leadership skills" and is able to cross all boundaries, racial, ethnic and geographic, "North, South and Central."

Slay also included a brief New Year's benediction noting that 2006 was a great year for the city with new homes, new residents and new businesses; but there's more to come.

"I promise you, 2007 will be better," said Slay.

McMillan's speech was one befitting someone who, some say, will rise as high as he choses. He made sure to acknowledge many of the people his career has brought him into contact with, both as alderman and in his preparations for the new office; and wove them into a story that described both his career and the city's redevelopment.

McMillan thanked Woolfolk, his supporters and his family and said he was, "happy to join Jim Sonderman and Mayor Slay in the former alderman club." He also acknowledged the work that all office members devote to the city saying, "we are only as good as our staff."

He quoted from Martin Luther King's "Conquering Self-Centerdness Speech," which talks about the need to set aside personal concerns for the good of the many. He also reiterated his five-point promise to revamp the License Collector's office: aggressively pursue revenue; improve technological access through online services; streamline the paperwork; crack down on fraud; develop the best trained customer service staff possible.

McMillan said he would build upon the efforts of his predecessor, Gregory F.X. Daly, who is moving across the building to the office of the Collector of Revenue.

"St. Louis is doing things right," said McMillan. "We are moving in the right direction."

Afterward Alderman Lewis Reed, 6th Ward, said McMillan will do a great job. Reed recounted a time when the two were working on a project and received a 3 a.m. phone call from McMillan wanting to talk over an issue after Reed told to call him "anytime".

"He's as hardworking as they say," said Reed.

Daly looks forward to working with McMillan in bringing new revenue to the city.

"He understands business and knows government," said Daly. Daly added that to increase revenue, the license collector will have to use persuasion as well as the sticks the office provides, something he is more than capable of.

A resident of the 19th ward was pleased to see McMillan's success.

"He's been my alderman for years and I can pick up the phone and call him for anything," said Robbin.

In his remarks, McMillan talked of working to increase revenue for the city. Part of his job may have been done for him by the voters who, in August, approved a bump up in the graduated business tax rates. The rates will be assessed based upon the size of the business. McMillan also plans to begin a crackdown on the businesses that slip past his office and make sure they also pay their fair share.
[final paragraph edited for clarity]