AUGUSTA — When it comes to constructing the state’s next biennial budget, Waterford’s Sawin Millett will be one of Gov.-elect Paul LePage’s go-to guys.

Millett, 73, a former state legislator, was named the commissioner of the Department of Administration and Financial Services during a press conference held at the State House Hall of Flags on Thursday.

Millett’s appointment must be confirmed by the state Legislature. It will mark the second time he’s served as chief of Financial Services Department. He held the position for five years during Republican Gov. John McKernan’s two terms, from 1987 to 1995.

Before the announcement, Millett said the appointment was a “good fit” and a “great honor.”

If confirmed, Millett will work closely with LePage to create a two-year budget for the 2012-13 biennium.

“Both in design and implementation, the budget will be the primary vehicle for implementing all the policies Gov. LePage wants to get down,” Millett said. “It will be critical to government operating efficiently and effectively.”

The department also oversees Maine tax law, the alcohol bureau and state human resources. It oversees capital improvements, such as building sales and purchases.

Millett has served six terms as a member of the state House of Representatives, including four consecutive terms between 2003 and this year. As a Dixmont resident, he served in the House between 1969 and 1972.

This year, Millett ran for the District 14 state Senate seat, but was defeated by Sen. John Patrick, D-Rumford.

Beardsley questioned

LePage also announced the appointment of Bill Beardsley, a former gubernatorial candidate, as head of the Department of Conservation.

Beardsley, former president of Husson College, has held several public offices, including the divisions of Energy and Power Development and Finance and Economics, in the Alaska Office of Forest Products from 1982-85.

House Democratic Leader Emily Cain said Democrats might be “hesitant” to support Beardsley, who during the run-up to the Republican primary indicated he would be willing to drill for oil in the Gulf of Maine.

Beardsley also supports the construction of nuclear power plants and views the land protection rules as over-regulation, Cain’s statement said.

“His positions on these key economic and environmental priorities stand in stark contrast to the mission and purpose of conservation — a core component of tourism and quality of life in our state,” she said.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine also hinted it was cautious about Beardsley’s appointment.

In a written statement, advocacy director Pete Didisheim said, “If confirmed for the position, we hope that (Beardsley) will represent the overwhelming view of Maine people who support increased public lands and recreational access, sustainably harvested forests that provide jobs into the future, and the protection of wildlife and habitat.”

In response to those concerns, Dan Demeritt, LePage’s new director of communications and legislative affairs, issued a statement that didn’t rule out the possibility of offshore drilling.

“It is unlikely that we have the offshore oil reserves needed for economical production,” Demeritt said. “That being said, Gov.-elect LePage agrees with Bill Beardsley that all sources of energy that have the potential to safely lower utility costs for Maine’s families and businesses must be considered.”

LePage’s team also forwarded comments in support of Beardsley from the Forest Society of Maine, which holds the conservation easement for the Plum Creek project near Moosehead Lake, and the Maine Forest Products Council, an advocacy group for the lumber and paper industries.

LePage provided resumes for his two latest commissioner appointments on his transition website, Lepagetransition.com.

The governor-elect also announced that attorney Daniel Billings will become his chief legal counsel; John Butera, policy adviser for economic development; and Kathleen Newman, deputy chief of staff.

smistler@sunjournal.com 

Copy the Story Link