GOODYEAR, Ariz. — He's not old enough to drive yet, but a child in the west Valley is getting a lot of attention after expressing his concerns for street racing.
William Miller, Jr. spoke up during public comment at the Goodyear City Council meeting on Jan. 8.
"Hello council, how you guys doing today," Miller said. "Me and my grandma would, would walk to Sonic to get some ice cream and it's very dangerous because of all of the street racers that there is.”
The now 9-year-old impressed the entire council chamber after asking his local leaders how they plan to slow cars down.
"That's a good question," Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo said.
Miller told 12News his concerns are real.
“Sometimes I see them going really fast and you hear cars just like screeching all the time," Miller said.
The council directed the question to Goodyear Police Chief Art Miller (no relation) who answered out of the meeting.
The chief took it one step further and sent officers to William Miller's home and showed him how to use a lidar gun.
“Goodyear Police Department does have a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for targeting aggressive drivers as well as speed enforcement," Goodyear police Public Information Officer Lisa Berry said. "We’re serious about getting out there and making our streets safer for our drivers in Goodyear.”
Berry said the department always appreciated community engagement, no matter their age.
"When we work together as a team, we make for a better, safer community," Berry said.
Miller might be in 3rd grade now, but he has his sights set on a big political career.
“I want to be president," Miller said.
His dad, William Miller, Sr., took him to Washington D.C. and the Arizona State Capitol last summer.
Miller, Sr. took his son to the council meeting to continue his education about politics, but he wasn't expecting the reaction they would receive.
"I couldn’t be prouder," Miller, Sr. said.
Miller, Jr. said he didn't get the chance to share his ideas for stopping street racers with the police chief, but he told 12News he has solutions.
"If you just see someone going fast, go after them," Miller said. “Not only is it in Estrella Parkway, it’s everywhere and mostly I’m asking for it about Estrella Parkway because my grandma lives there and I don’t want her to get hurt.”
Miller is meeting with Mayor Pizzillo on Wednesday to discuss how local government works.
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