After a lifetime in politics, a former Maine congressman finds his biggest fight at home

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 15, 2026

Mike Michaud is either the driving force behind revitalizing East Millinocket’s former mill site or misusing millions of dollars meant to bring it back to life, depending on whom you ask. Since winning a seat on the East Millinocket Select Board eight years ago, the former congressman has poured much of his time into rehabilitating the site once home to the Great Northern Paper Co. mill. He has attracted millions in federal grants that have been used to renovate it and house new companies. Not everyone in town agrees that Michaud has made improvements. Former Select Board Chair Clint Linscott abruptly quit and blamed Michaud for pushing a dozen town employees out of their roles. “It’s working out the way it should work out. We’re not always going to agree, but the fact that things are moving in the right direction is good,” Michaud said.