H. Sawin Millett Jr., Maine House 71

Maine House 71

Social media accounts:
Facebook

Occupation:
Farmer/retired teacher and government administrator.

Education:
Masters degree in educational administration, plus work toward doctorate degree.

Community Organizations:
Hospital board member; town meeting moderator; mason; former selectman; Rotarian; Chamber board member

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Family gatherings, golf, softball, sports fan.

Family status:
Happily married to Barbara Shaw Millett (61 years), five Children, 10 Grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                          12.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Appropriations, Education or Agriculture.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Comprehensive approach to restrict access to opiate drugs, punishment of traffickers, treatment and recovery programs for addicted victims.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
Increased emphasis on mandatory reporting and prompt follow up on reported abuse; strong punishment measures for convicted abusers; higher priority and leadership responsibility at DHHS.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
The concept has merit but the mandate was not well thought out and lacked local input and “buy in.” Since some districts are proceeding on their own, the state should focus on evaluating those efforts.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Quality health care is currently available and I will support expanding access and a greater emphasis on cost control, but I do not believe that Maine should move toward adopting universal health care.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No. This would result in Maine becoming one of the highest taxed states in the country to provide unlimited health care to the elderly — regardless of income or residence — under private oversight.

6) Are you frustrated by the political sniping, exaggeration and even lies between the parties and their supporters that have threatened progress usually reached through respect and reasoned compromise? If so, what will you personally do to make the situation better?                                                                                      Yes. My years of service have always been a reflection of my life-long belief that civil and respectful dialogue is the best pathway to responsible problem solving. I will serve with dignity and pride.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I am a lover of animals and have owned one or more cows — continuously — since the age of 10.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls?                                                No.