Colby College President David A. Greene, right, and Niamh Lacey, left, co-president of the college’s Student Government Association, interview Gov. Janet Mills Wednesday night as part of “In the News,” an event organized by the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs at Colby. Amy Calder/Morning Sentinel

WATERVILLE — Gov. Janet Mills does not pretend to have all the answers. In fact, she surrounds herself with staff members who stand up to her if they do not agree with what she says or proposes.

Mills touted that philosophy Wednesday night as she answered questions from an audience of more than 200 people at Colby College.

Students, faculty members, college employees and others from the community gathered to hear Mills’ views on a variety of topics, ranging from climate change to governing in difficult times.

The talk, organized by the college’s Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, was part of the “In the News” event series that seeks to spark dialogue between invited speakers and Colby students on topics that include politics, policy and the press.

Gov. Janet Mills speaks Wednesday night as part of “In the News,” an event organized by the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs at Colby College in Waterville. Amy Calder/Morning Sentinel

Colby President David A. Greene and Niamh Lacey, co-president of the college’s Student Government Association, moderated the event in Page Commons at Cotter Union.

Greene led the discussion by noting that Mills has a complex job. He said she led Maine through the COVID-19 pandemic and did it with “science and compassion,” resulting in Maine having been one of the safest states in the country.

In the aftermath, there was a large influx of people into the state, Greene said, and Maine’s gross domestic product rose faster under her leadership than any state in the country.

A native of Farmington, Mills was the first female district attorney in Maine and the Northeast, and the state’s first female attorney general and governor.

Greene described Mills as “one of the most authentic leaders I’ve ever seen in action.” He said her strength as a leader was never more evident than after the Lewiston mass shooting on Oct. 25, 2023, when she went to Lewiston and spoke to people, many of whom she knew, and handled the situation with grace and courage.

“How do you build those leadership muscles?” Greene asked Mills.

Mills said a typical day might include meeting with leaders or officials about climate change or PFAS, the dangerous chemicals that have been found in public water systems and private wells in many parts of Maine; discussing paid family medical leave; and speaking with legislators about other issues.

Mills said a good leader does not function alone, instead working with and relying on others. She said strong leaders choose staff members who are highly qualified, communicate well, can digest and analyze information and work well together.

“You’re surrounded with people you choose to be around you, and those people have to be people that stand up to you,” she said. “You want people who do research and tell you everything you need to know.”

Mills said a good leader wants to know, “Who’s really suffering out there?”

She said she likes to walk community streets and stop at the corner store, barbershop and beauty parlor to ask people what is on their mind. A leader should attend public gatherings, such as Rotary Club or chamber of commerce meetings, to learn what is on people’s minds. As a leader, Mills said, one should not isolate.

“You just show up,” she said. “Show up and listen to people.”

Never is it more important to talk with others than when addressing an issue that divides people, according to Mills. She cited firearms as an example, saying it is important to address gun violence by talking to many people, including gun dealers, victims and legislators. One must create, gather and analyze data from various sources, working from the ground up.

A student asked Mills’ thoughts on building more opportunity for youths in Maine.

The governor said having stepchildren and grandchildren has caused her to think about certain issues, such as student debt relief, meals in schools and community college.

Under Mills’ leadership, free meals were instituted at public schools, free tuition to community college was extended to graduating high school students for two more years and graduates from 2024 and 2025 are eligible for up to $2,500 of relief per year, or a total of $25,000 over 10 years. Maine’s health care students can receive up to $75,000 in loan repayments over three years.

Mills said people are being taught about clean energy jobs, which now total more than 15,000 in Maine. The state is always looking to expand the economy and diversify the state’s forestry, farming and fisheries, she said. Mills pointed to TimberHP in Madison, which produces wood fiber insulation at a former paper mill. The state has been helping the company with financing, she said.

Maine has one of the highest immigration rates in the country, according to Mills, who said young families want to come here because it is safe, has abundant natural resources and offers many outdoor recreation opportunities. The governor said state officials are trying to make Maine an even more pleasant and economically viable place to live and work.

As an active member of the bipartisan National Governors Association, Mills said she and her counterparts in other states have been talking about “how to disagree better.” Polarization is embedded in our society, Mills said. She recommended that if someone attacks you personally, do not lower yourself by reciprocating.

“You just have to talk to people,” she said, “and show them who you are and who you aren’t.”

Colby junior Brynne Robbins, 20, of Vienna, Maine, said the Mills administration has long supported offshore wind to help the state attain its goals for improving the climate. In light of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision Tuesday not to award $456 million to Maine to develop a port for offshore wind energy, Robbins asked whether Maine still has a plan for meeting its climate and energy goals.

Mills said officials knew the money was not guaranteed, and while disappointed with the federal government’s decision, she is not giving up on offshore wind.

“The Gulf of Maine has the highest and most consistent winds in the entire world,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for the state of Maine, along with solar and heat pumps and electric vehicles.”