A native of Western New York and Orchard Park, Legislator John J. Mills graduated from Orchard Park High School and earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Buffalo. He has spent his adult life in service to the region in general and Erie County in particular. A successful businessman, Legislator Mills is President of of J. Mills Distributing Company, a successful food distribution company that he founded over thirty years ago with his wife, Barbara. Very much a family operation, the business has been built with their three grown children and other close relatives into a very successful enterprise, from which John gives back generously to the area with untold donations of food to a myriad of fundraising events and worthy causes throughout the region. He also serves as the President of Quality Food Brokers, M J M Industries and Florida's Finest Food Brokers.
Not content with what he could do for the area from his business, John became involved in Orchard Park government as a member of the Public Safety Committee for a year and then as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals on which he served for four years before being elected to the first of his six four-year terms of office as a Town Councilman. At times during this period, he served as Deputy Supervisor, co-founded the Zoning Commission and served as Chairman of the South Towns Sewage Treatment Agency.
Legislator Mills has further dedicated himself to his community as a lifetime member of the Friends of the Orchard Park Library, as well as a member of the Western New York Food Bank, American Legion, Lions Club (Orchard Park), Shriners, Masons - Lodge #514, Orchard Park Historical Society, and the Greater Aurora and Orchard Park Chambers of Commerce. In addition, John is a former vice-president of the Orchard Park Jaycees and a past chairman of the Quaker Arts Festival. He is currently the President of the Orchard Park Lions Club. John's active and deep involvement with good causes and current issues keeps him deeply involved in the community.
In 2005, Legislator Mills was elected to represent the 13th District in the Erie County Legislature. He took office in January, 2006. In January, 2007, Legislator Mills was elected Minority Leader by his Republican caucus peers. Legislator Mills serves on six committees at the legislature – Economic Development, Energy & Environment, Finance & Management, Government Affairs, Personnel and Public Safety – more than any other legislator. Legislator Mills also serves on the Boards of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Erie County Soil Conservation District. He has attended governmental meetings in every town and village in the 13th district, as well as met with many groups within those towns and villages.
Legislator Mills resides in Orchard Park with his wife of over 35 years, Barbara. John and Barbara are the proud parents of Kim, Jim and John and grandparents of Tyler, Brandon, Kennedy Alexis and Ava Grace.
Personal Information:
Life long resident of Orchard Park. Graduated from Orchard Park High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Buffalo. Married to Barbara Mcivor for 35 years. Three children - Kim, Jim, and John. Four grandchildren - Tyler, Brandon, Kennedy Alexis and Ava Grace.
Employment:
Employment
J. Mills Distributing Company | President |
Quality Food Brokers | President |
M J M Industries | President |
Florida's Finest Food Brokers | President |
Awards:
Food Bank of Western New York Award. 200,000 Ibs. Food Donation
Republican of the Year (2005) – Orchard Park Republican Committee
Public Servant of the Year (2002) - South Town Conservative Chairman Association
Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement - N.Y.Assoc. of Convenience Stores(2004) Western New York Food Broker of the Year (2001)
Grassroots Government Service:
Grassroots Government Service
Erie County Legislator, 13th District | 2006 - |
Orchard Park Town Councilman | 2004 - 2005; |
| 1982 - 2001 |
Orchard Park Deputy Town Supervisor | 1989 - 1997 |
Co-Founder, Orchard Park Zoning Commission | 1983 - 2001 |
Chairman, Town of Orchard Park Zoning Board of Appeals | 1979 - 1981 |
Town of Orchard Park Public Safety Committee | 1976 - 1977 |
Board of Managers, Eire County Sewer District #3 | 2002 - 2005 |
Chairman, Southtowns Sewage Treatment Agency | 1987 - 2001 |
Vice Chairman, Southtowns Sewage Treatment Agency | 1983 - 1986 |
Community Service:
Community Service
Western New York Food Bank | 1979 - Present |
Friends of the Orchard Park Library | Life Member |
American Legion | 2000 - Present |
Lions Club (Orchard Park) | 1988 - Present |
Shriners | 1982 - Present |
Masons - Lodge #514 | 1981 - Present |
Orchard Park Historical Society | 1994 - Present |
Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce | 1977 - Present |
Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce | 2006 - Present |