[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 90 (Thursday, May 23, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3880-S3881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SAWIN MILLETT, JR.

  Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, before the Maine Legislature adjourned 
for the year on May 10, Republican, Democrat, and Independent lawmakers 
joined together to pass a resolution honoring retiring Representative 
Sawin Millett, Jr., for his ``dedication, expertise, and judgment'' in 
service to our State, followed by a long and robust standing ovation. I 
know people throughout Maine are grateful for the many accomplishments 
of this great leader and my good friend.
  Sawin's nine nonconsecutive terms representing Maine House District 
81 began in 1968 and only scratches the surface of his remarkable 
resume. In his hometown of Waterford and throughout Oxford County, he 
has contributed as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant school 
superintendent, farmer, and town manager.
  At the State level, Sawin has worked with eight Maine Governors in 
the legislature and as the first executive director of the Maine School 
Management Association. He has served in five administrations under 
Republican, Democrat, and Independent Governors as commissioner of 
education, associate commissioner of mental health and substance abuse 
services, legislative director, and commissioner of administrative and 
financial services.
  I had the pleasure of serving with Sawin in the cabinet of Governor 
John McKernan in the 1980s and early 1990s and watched him weigh issues 
and decide policy questions with the wisdom and deliberation for which 
he is so widely respected. He is also the hardest working leader I 
know. For 2 years in the early 2000s, I was fortunate to have him on my 
team as a State office director.
  In both the legislative and executive branches, Sawin is known for 
his absolute mastery of budgetary issues. His command of the 
complexities of State government finances has steered Maine through 
many challenging times, and his integrity and openness have earned him 
admirers across the political spectrum.
  At 86 years of age, Sawin is retiring from the legislature, but not 
from public service. In addition to spending more time with his family 
on his beloved farm, he is running for Oxford County Commissioner in 
the November elections. Continuing his dedication to public service, 
this is the one level of government in which he has not yet served.

[[Page S3881]]

  Regardless of the role he has taken on, Sawin has always been a 
problem-solver, a leader who strives to bring opposing sides together 
in a spirit of compromise and respect to reach common ground. He is a 
Maine treasure, a true gentleman, and I wish my friend all the best in 
the next phase of his inspiring life.

                          ____________________