Herb
was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. The oldest of seven children, he
grew up in a three bedroom home with his parents, siblings, and grandmother.
Money was tight, but Herb’s family was close---in every sense of the word!
Herb
acquired a strong work ethic and a desire to serve the community from his
parents. Herbs’ dad worked three jobs to feed, clothe, and educate his family.
Herbs’ mom, although busy with seven children, was a leader in school, church,
and community activities. At ten, Herb began delivering newspapers, a job he
kept until he left home to become a Midshipman.
In the summer, he worked in construction, as a warehouseman, and as a
farm hand. Herb worked hard to keep his grades high, while earning three varsity
football and track letters. His single season record for tackles is unbroken.
Herb
earned a scholarship to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned two N-star
letters on Navy’s Eastern Championship Rugby team, and was recognized as best
forward his senior year. A scholar-athlete, Herb made the Commandant’s, Dean’s,
and Superintendent’s Lists. He graduated
with merit in 1980, receiving a B.S. in History and a commission as an officer.
Herb
met his lovely bride, Kathy Brady, while he was a senior at the Naval Academy.
Two years later, they were married in Annapolis at St. Mary’s Church. Their twenty-seven
year marriage has been blessed with four wonderful kids: Katie, Hall, Anna, and
Brady.
As
a Navy pilot, Herb flew classified missions during the Cold War, and was awarded
the Navy Commendation Medal in 1988. When the Gulf War ended in 1991, he left
active military duty to become a pilot at American Airlines, and is currently a
Captain on the Boeing 737.
Herb
continued his service as a Navy Reserve Officer, flying overseas missions and
rising to the rank of Commander. A community leader, Herb served as President
of the West Annapolis PTA, Vice-President of the Hunt Meadow Homeowners
Association, a tutor for the Gems and Jewels Program at Bates Middle School,
and as a football coach for the PAL Hawks.
Herb
was elected to the Annapolis City Council in 1997. A common sense leader who
believes in lean, effective, and efficient government, Herb sponsored and
passed budgets that put more police on the street and still cut property taxes.
After
losing a hotly contested race for Mayor of Annapolis in 2001, the voters sent
Herb to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2002. Herb was recognized for his
independence, integrity, and common sense approach to issues. Leading the fight
for fiscal responsibility, he kept his promise not to vote for any tax
increases, and voted to rein in the spending that created Maryland’s structural
deficit.
After
leaving office in 2007, Herb saw the deficit nightmare he had predicted unfold.
Elected President of the Maryland Taxpayers Association, a nonpartisan,
nonprofit, organization that advocates for fiscal responsibility, Herb
continues to lead the battle for lower taxes and fiscal reform. But advocating
is not enough ---we need Herb McMillan in the House of Delegates, where he can
vote our values. Because after all, it’s our money.