PowerPlayer: Josh Miller
Monday, May 30, 2011
Did you hang out on the deck at the Hot Club on this gorgeous weekend? Have you eaten dinner at Local 121? Or have you had a few beers at Trinity Brewhouse? If so, you've got Josh Miller to thank for the entertainment.
The indefatigable Miller co-owns all three locations in Providence and also serves as a state senator on Smith Hill, making him the perfect choice for our weekly PowerPlayer interview. Miller, 56, grew up in Providence, attending Hope High School and the University of Rhode Island. In a one sentence description of the work he does, he said, " chip in wherever and whenever possible."
Miller was kind enough to spend a few minutes helping us learn more about everything happening in his life.
1) You have the two jobs every Rhode Islander dreams of: You own bars and you're a politician. What led you to do the first, and how did that land you in politics? I bought The Met Cafe on a dare when I was 21. I was asked to serve on the board of the RI Hospitality Association, which got me into the State House and appointed to the RIEDC Board. I moved to Cranston, and was asked by local activists if I was interested in running for state senate, as Elizabeth Roberts was vacating the seat to run for lieutenant governor.
2) Take us through a day in your life. The dogs wake me up, I let them out, make tea, read the paper, go to Little Falls for a bagel and neighborhood feedback, stop by the Hot Club, go to the gym, make a lunch, answer emails, meet with staff - at Trinity Brewhouse and/or Local 121 - then meetings at the State House, senate session, committee hearings, visit Hot Club, 121, or Trinity again according to season or event, go home - kiss the wife, call the kid, let the dogs out, watch some Red Sox, news, or Boardwalk Empire (varies by season).
3) If you hadn't heard, Rhode Island is small, which means everyone seems to know what everyone else is doing. Are you conscious of your role as a public figure? When reminded and/or functioning as one.
4) What's the most difficult/disappointing part of your job? Change can be slow.
5) If you could change one thing about the state, what would it be? The name (just kidding); eradicate ignorance, poverty and bigotry - all at once.
6) Tell us something nobody knows about you. I don't drink or smoke pot.
Quick Hitters
Role Model: Sister Anne Keefe
Favorite Restaurant: Inn at Castle Hill
Best Beach: South shore on Hog Island
Best Book You’ve Read In The Last Year: Cod (A biography of the fish that changed the world), Mark Kurlansky
Advice For The Next Josh Miller: Relax with a drink or a joint once in a while
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