David Mills: Danvers Select Board Candidate

DANVERS, MA — David Mills is seeking re-election to the Danvers Select Board.

The 79-year-old St. John's Prep alumnus is a retired lawyer who spent 11 years as an associate justice on the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

He grew up in Danvers and went on to Boston College undergraduate and law school before embarking on a 54-year career in the law.

Mills has served as a Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney, Massachusetts Assistant Attorney General, Board Chair and Trustee at Essex Aggie, Danvers town moderator, Massachusetts State Ethics Commissioner and is currently the commissioner of the Commission to investigate and report the health and safety of LGBTQ persons in state and county custody.

He told Patch his focus if re-elected to the Select Board will be to work with the other Board members, town officials and the Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee to make Danvers a welcome place for all residents and visitors.

Mills added that this will "probably be my last campaign" for public office.

The Danvers annual town election is on May 3.

Why are you seeking elective office?

To continue to bring dignity and balance to the Danvers Select Board and the people of Danvers, and especially to guard the interests of elders and other minority citizens.

The single most pressing issue facing our Board is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Political and social divisiveness and the issues of human rights and inclusion. I intend to continue my connection and work with the town manager and very qualified administrators and to support them, and to continue to liaison with the Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee, working toward making Danvers a welcoming and safe place for all residents and visitors.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Age, experience with Danvers government over half a century and knowledge of the intricacies of the law, and commitment to the rule of law, always placing principles over personalities

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Careful review of town finances and counting every public dollar spent

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

53 years of continued public service, appointed, elected, paid and volunteer, and managing the business of a law office for more than 25 years. Also, volunteer as a mediator in courts and agencies.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I worked for a federal judge in 1968-69, and working only the first case I said to him, "Coach, we've gotta get this right!"

And he advised me: "Lad, in this business there is no 'right,' We just do our very best to follow the law and DECIDE," and then move on to the next case."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

This will probably be my last campaign