Honoring Ira Mills: A Leader Who Made the Numbers Count

The passing this week of Ira Mills marks the loss of a sharp mind, a steady hand, and a man who believed in getting things right.

His most recent role as V.I. Tax Assessor was just one part of a long and distinguished career, but for those of us who had the privilege of working with him, he will be remembered for much more than his title. I knew Mr. Mills as a kid growing up – but I truly got to know him as a young reporter, less than a month out of college with a writing degree, when he was director of the Office of Management and Budget. In a profession where clarity is often in short supply, he stood out. There was no spin, no obfuscation – just a deep respect for facts and a willingness to ensure the media had them straight.

It might seem strange to say in today’s world, but Ira Mills came from an era when information mattered. He understood that accuracy was not just a courtesy but a necessity, especially when dealing with the numbers that shaped the territory’s future.