Herb McMillan Delegate District 30

Preparation for Politics!

Herb with his family in 1976. My how fashions have changed!

Herb McMillan was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. The oldest of seven children, he grew up in a 3-bedroom home with his parents, five sisters, brother, and grandmother. Herb's dad worked several jobs so that he could send his children to Catholic schools. His mom remained at home to care for their family.

Herb emulated his parent's strong work ethic. He delivered newspapers from the time he was ten until he left home for Annapolis. Herb also worked summers in construction, as a warehouseman, and as a farm hand. A good student, he was also a solid athlete, earning three varsity football and track letters in high school. His record for the most tackles in a single season still remains unbroken.

Following high school graduation, Herb earned a scholarship to the United States Naval Academy. He enjoyed the challenge of Academy life, earning two N- star letters on Navy's Eastern Championship Rugby Club, and recognition 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 a Naval Officer.

Herbs Dad and future wife Kathy at USNA Graduation

Despite the demands of the Naval Academy, Herb made time for a lovely and spirited Towson University coed who later became his bride. Herb dated Kathy Brady throughout his senior year and while he was assigned to the USS Steinaker. They married in Annapolis at St. Mary's Church shortly after Herb received orders to flight training in 1982. Kathy and Herb were quickly blessed with children. Katie was born in 1983, and Hall in 1984. Anna and Brady completed their family in 1988 and 1996, respectively.

Upon completion of pilot training, Herb was assigned to Fleet Air

Ready to Fly!

Reconnaissance Squadron Four in Patuxent River, Maryland. As an EC-130 aircraft and mission commander, Herb flew classified strategic communications missions during the height of the Cold War. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his services in 1988.

Upon completion of his assignment at Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Four in 1988, Herb received orders to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he served as Director of Admissions for the Western United States and as a Leadership Instructor. Herb left active military duty following the 1991 Gulf War for a piloting career at American Airlines. He continued to serve in the Navy Reserve, and became active in the community, serving as President of the West Annapolis PTA and as a board member and Vice President of the Hunt Meadow Homeowners Association.

Your voice in the General Assembly

In 1997, Herb was elected to the Annapolis City Council, where he quickly established himself as a champion of working and middle class families. A fiscal conservative who believes that people should be able to keep more of what they earn, Herb sponsored and passed three property tax rate cuts, and legislation requiring businesses and events to pay a fair price for city property and services. He took the lead on environmental issues by successfully opposing the Glendening Administration's attempts to dump dredge spoil in the Chesapeake Bay, and sponsoring critical area and stormwater management initiatives that provided additional protection for this treasured watershed. Herb also successfully pushed for progressive reforms, such as a voter identification law to prevent election fraud, and increased funding for police and foot patrol officers to protect our neighborhoods.

Working Hard with Governor Ehrlich

Herb won the Republican nomination for Mayor of Annapolis in 2001. After losing a hotly contested general election, he sought and won a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates in 2002.

Herb's fiscal conservatism, political independence, integrity, and common sense approach to issues have defined his public service. A citizen legislator who continues to work in the private sector, he recognizes that while appropriate government has its place, the private sector, not government, is the source of America's prosperity; that individual empowerment will do more to solve our problems than more government programs; and that the moral foundation upon which America is built must be preserved if America is to remain strong.