WATERFORD — Retired state finance commissioner Sawin Millett is seeking the House District 71 seat.
Millett, 80, is a Republican who has served for more than four decades in cabinet-level positions for four governors, most recently as the commissioner of administrative and financial services during Gov. Paul LePage’s first term.
“I intend to go to Augusta to get things done, to meet our needs and to avoid partisan gridlock stalemates whenever possible,” Millett said in a prepared statement.
Millett will likely face Democrat Doretta Colburn of Waterford, a farmer and retired pastor, in the Nov. 6 general election. The district, which has been represented since 2010 by Republican Tom Winsor, includes Norway, West Paris, Waterford and Sweden.
Millett represented much the same district from 2002 until 2010, when term limits made it impossible to seek re-election. He first served in the Legislature from 1969 to 1972.
Born in Waterford, Millett attended Carmel High School and went on to earn a degree at Bates College. He became a teacher and a principal.
Millett served as the education commissioner for independent Gov. James Longley in 1975, then finance commissioner for GOP Gov. John McKernan in 1979. He also held posts in the administrations of LePage and independent Gov. Angus King.
Three times, Millett has been the House leader of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee.
Millett and his wife, Barbara, have lived on a small farm for 40 years.
Sawin Millett (Photo provided)
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