Deal appoints legislator to Pardons and Paroles

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that he has appointed state Rep. James Mills (R-Gainesville) to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, effective Jan. 1. Mills will succeed Gale Buckner, whose term ends Dec. 31.

“Rep. Mills has served the people of Georgia in the state House of Representatives for nearly 20 years and has been closely involved in the most difficult and important matters our state faces,” Deal said. “The duties of the Pardons and Paroles board involve equally important and difficult decisions. James Mills is a man of strong faith, who will ably balance our hopes for rehabilitation with our need for community safety. He is a small businessman, husband, father, church volunteer and community leader; he’ll bring all these perspectives to his work on this board.”

Mills will resign from the House on Oct. 1, clearing the way for a special election to the District 25 seat on Nov. 8. The governor announced the decision early so that voters may choose Mills' successor during regular local elections in November. This provides a cost savings and ensures the district will have representation when the legislative session begins in January.

James Mills

Mills first won election to the state House of Representatives in 1992. He serves on the Appropriations, Ways and Means, Banks and Banking and Rules committees. The Mercer University graduate owns and operates mini-storage warehouses. Mills and his wife, Rita, have been married for nearly three decades and they have four children.