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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kim McMillan spent some time at Maryville College on Friday, bringing her message of governmental transparency to the students.

“I am dedicated to open records,” she said. “We need to allow the public to see ... A little sunshine is the best disinfectant.”

The first woman in Tennessee history elected as majority leader of the state House of Representatives, McMillan seeks the Democratic nomination for governorship.

McMillan served 12 years in the Tennessee House of Representatives, sitting on the Finance, Ways & Means Committee, the Budget Subcommittee, the Judiciary Committee, the Government Operations Committee, the Calendar and Rules Committee and was chairman of the House Ethics Committee and House Rules Committee. She was elected House majority leader in 2002 and again in 2004.

Asked what differentiates her from the other candidates, both Republican and Democrat, McMillan pointed out her experience in both the legislative and executive branches of Tennessee government. Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed McMillan to his cabinet as senior adviser in 2006. She returned to Clarksville in 2008 to serve as executive director of community and business relations for Austin Peay State University. She currently teaches political science at the university.

“The next governor needs experience to step right in on day one,” she said. “ ... I have the right blend of prior experience.”

McMillan also emphasizes her business experience. She is the chairman of Cumberland Bank & Trust, a community bank in Clarksville. An attorney, she practiced law for 22 years.

McMillan and her husband Larry have been married for more than 20 years. They have two children who attend the public schools in Clarksville, Katie, 17, and Ryan, 16.