WILTON — Selectman Russell Black, a Republican, has announced he is seeking election to the Maine House of Representatives for District 90.

The seat is now held by Tom Saviello, who is being termed out.

District 90 includes Avon, New Vineyard, Phillips, Strong, Temple, Wilton, as well as Perkins, Washington and Freeman townships.

“My goal is to bring balance back to our state,” Black said. “We need to concentrate on restricting state spending, create methods for funding education in a sensible way and focus on finding affordable health care for small businesses. We need to improve in these areas in order to stimulate job growth. I believe I can make a difference in these areas and be a fervent voice for the people in my district.”

Black, 57, attended Wilton elementary schools, Mt. Blue High School and the Wentworth Institute in Boston. His wife, Susan Austin Black, is the Franklin County register of deeds. They have two daughters, Melissa Newbill and Carrie Lancaster, and two sons, John and James Black, and six grandchildren.

A self-employed farmer, logger and contractor, Black has served as a selectman for six years, worked on the Wilton Planning Board for 19 years and held a seat on the U.S. Department of Agriculture County Committee for five years. He also serves on the board of directors for the Farmington Farmers Union, the trustee board of the East Wilton Union Church, and is an active member of the Wilton Fish & Game Association and member of the Maine Tree Farm Association.

He has coached Little League football, served as past president/director for the Mt. Blue All Sports Boosters, as well as vice president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau.

 He was named Franklin County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1976 and 2006. He participates in community activities such as the summer reading program at the Wilton Free Public Library and numerous local fundraisers.