The Dan Miller Post Office

Congratulations to former Rep. Dan Miller, who's in line to have Bradenton's downtown Post Office building named after him.

The announcement was made Monday on the steps of the 71-year-old building at 824 Manatee Ave. W. by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, who occupies the seat Miller held from 1992 to 2003.

It's fairly common to have buildings and landmarks named for politicians and public servants, though not everyone agrees that it's a good practice — partly because the idea often springs up from other politicians. The Florida congressional delegation introduced the bill to honor Miller that was approved by Congress and now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, one of Florida's most visible landmarks, was renamed in 2005 to honor former Gov. Bob Graham, who was instrumental in getting the bridge built after the original structure collapsed in a tragic 1980 freighter mishap.

At Monday's ceremony, Miller's wife, Glenda, said she was surprised that her husband would agree to have his name on a building because he has never sought recognition.

And critics — not of Miller, but of the practice to honor former officials this way — say that's exactly the point: These people were simply acting on the will of the people, and they should remain selfless out of office.

We're not taking sides here, but it is a relief that the place where many of us buy our stamps won't be renamed the Nike Post Office. On the other hand, the revenue generated by selling corporate naming rights might actually keep the price of stamps from rising again.

Jim


In case you missed the story,here’s a link.