Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 6-4-21

Local
Hillsborough County To Honor Former County Commissioner Lesley ‘Les’ Miller, Jr. With Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award
Miller will become the 25th recipient of the award when he’s honored on June 3rd.
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commission- ers will present the 2021 Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award to former Hillsborough County Commis- sioner Lesley ‘Les’ Miller, Jr. The virtual presentation is scheduled for 9 a. m., Thurs- day, June 3rd. It is the 25th an- niversary of the award, who past winners include distin- guished local leaders such as Judge E. J. Salcines, for- mer Gov. Bob Martinez, former Sheriff David Gee,
the late Rubin E. Padgett, and former State Senator Arthenia Joyner.
Born in Tampa, Miller served in the United States Air Force and was a prominent business owner before pursu- ing a career in public service. He was first elected to the Florida House of Representa- tives in 1992, and re-elected in 1994, 1996 and 1998. Miller also served in the Florida Sen- ate from 2000 to 2006 and was briefly on The Tampa City Council.
In 2010, Miller was elected to serve District 3 on the Hillsborough County Board of the County Commis- sioners. He was re-elected to
LESLEY ‘LES’ MILLER
the seat in 2012 and 2016 be- fore retiring in 2020. Miller served as the Board’s Chair- man for 3 years, including
during his last year as Hills- borough County navigated the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Govern- ment Award
In 1996, the Hillsborough County Board of County Com- missioners established the Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award, presented annually to an individual or group of individuals who played a significant role in im- proving government through leadership and vision.
The award was established in honor of Mr. Simmons, a respected government and civic leader who served 21
years on the Hillsborough County Board of County Com- missioners.
Through his leadership and guidance, new institutions and communities were created in Hillsborough County, in- cluding the University of South Florida and Sun City Center.
He also helped spearhead the construction of Tampa In- ternational Airport, the found- ing of University Community Hospital, and the expansion of the Hillsborough County Health Department.
For more information, visit the Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award webpage.
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