(NewsNation) — In Arizona, the problem of dangerous street racing along a suburban Phoenix road propelled a pint-sized activist to speak out at a city council meeting earlier this month.
William Miller Jr. says his grandmother was nearly hit by a car on one of their walks to get ice cream along Goodyear’s Estrella Parkway. That made him realize speeding cars were an issue and that he wanted to take action.
So, Miller Jr. put on a suit and tie and brought his concerns to his city council members.
“Hello council, how you guys doing today?” Miller Jr., 8 years old at the time, said at the Jan. 8 meeting. “I just wanted to ask some questions about Estrella Parkway. Me and my grandma would walk to Sonic to get some ice cream, and it’s very dangerous because of all of the street racers that there is.”
Barely tall enough to reach the podium, Miller Jr. asked for the council’s help.
“I wonder if you guys have any solution to fix this,” he asked.
Inspired by Miller Jr.’s big heart, Goodyear’s mayor and the city police chief vowed to make some changes in the area.
Miller Jr. told NewsNation host Elizabeth Vargas that while he was nervous to speak at the council meeting, it was worth it.
“I really believe I can make a difference,” Miller Jr. told Vargas. “They will try to stop the street racers because lots of people are getting hurt.”
Miller Jr.’s father said when his son told him about what happened on his walk, he thought it could be a learning experience.
“I could teach him about local city government and how it performs, and he can have his chance (in front of) the people who have the ability to make a change,” Miller Jr.’s father said.
Street racing isn’t the only issue Miller Jr. wants to tackle. The 9-year-old tells Vargas he wants to become president of the United States one day.