Virginia councilman goes viral campaigning for more sidewalks
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Miller tells Axios he's never had a public works project receive as much positive feedback as a sidewalk project. Video: Courtesy of Gary Miller
A Virginia councilman's viral campaign video about building more sidewalks has people nationwide saying they want to move to Danville.
Why it matters: The internet's love for Councilman Gary Miller and his high-waisted pants suggests that there's at least one thing Americans can agree on: a good sidewalk.
The big picture: Miller, a 78-year-old cardiologist, is one of 11 candidates running for four at-large seats on Danville City Council.
- And his video arguing sidewalks are a public safety issue has racked up over 8 million views across TikTok, Instagram and X.
- "It's the crosswalk a senior uses to get to the grocery store. It's the path a child walks to school, or the way a neighbor rolls a wheelchair," he says.
- At one point, Miller stops at a sidewalk that abruptly ends in a patch of grass and asks: "What happened here?"
Meanwhile, the comments: "This guy's respect for his community is as high as his pants. Love it."
- "He struts like he keeps his promises."
What they're saying: Miller tells Axios he's "stunned" by the response, joking that while the internet knows him for his pants, he's better known around Danville for his dance moves.
- "I'm famous in town for when we have block parties," he says.