Wayland PD ex-chief running for mayor

WAYLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - Former Wayland Police Chief Dan Miller is now running for mayor of the Allegan County town.

Miller confirmed to 24 Hour News 8 that his name is on the Nov. 6 ballot opposite incumbent Mayor Tim Bala.

Miller filed before the July deadline and has been knocking on doors to get residents' support, he said.

Miller was fired in April as police chief by then-Interim City Manager Terry Hofmeyer. The termination followed an investigation into the Wayland Police Department and Miller by Michigan State Police for improper handling of seized property. At the time, Miller told 24 Hour News 8 losing his job was a "conspiracy."

Miller admitted to 24 Hour News 8 on Thursday that he is not going to get his job back as police chief, and said attorneys for him and the City are working on a separation agreement.

City Manager Michael Selden confirmed to 24 Hour News 8 the attorneys are working on an agreement, and it is taking longer than anticipated.

The City had contracted with the Paw Paw police chief to fill in part time, but the process took too long, so it has brought in another interim police chief until the situation involving Miller is resolved.

The position is not posted and they are not actively looking for a new chief.  

"We are kind of in a holding pattern" Selden told 24 Hour News 8.  

Miller said he is hoping to win the job as mayor "as a way to serve the community for a few more years." 

"What happened happened, and it is just time to move on," Miller told 24 Hour News 8.

The winner of the non-partisan race will serve a two-year term.