The new head of the Iowa Parole Board is someone very familiar to Fort Dodgers who is well-suited for the job.

Former state Rep. Helen Miller, who served Fort Dodge and northern Webster County in the legislature for 16 years, was recently selected by Gov. Kim Reynolds to lead the panel.

Miller is prepared to make the tough decisions about who should be released from prison and who should not be. She has a law degree, and as a state representative she organized an Iowa Criminal Justice Summit. She said then that her ultimate goal is fairness in the criminal justice system.

Miller also has an even-handed approach to issues that she demonstrated throughout her legislative career. She is a Democrat, but always was able to work with House Republicans.

In fact, Reynolds, a Republican, sought Miller out for the job. Miller, who wasn’t actively looking for a new role in state government, got a surprise call from the governor’s staff about the Parole Board post.

Reynolds described Miller as an ”outstanding public servant who will bring a unique perspective to the Iowa Parole Board.”

We agree with the governor.

Miller said she is ”excited to continue serving the state I love.”

Helping prison inmates reenter society without getting into trouble with the law again is a big part of ensuring public safety, according to Miller.

We’re glad she’s decided to again serve Iowans in one of the toughest and most thankless roles in government.

Miller deserves our thanks for taking on this new role.