EFFINGHAM COUNTY — Local state Representative John Cavaletto, a Salem Republican, will have a GOP primary opponent next year as Effingham businessman Brian Milleville has announced he’s running.

Brian Milleville is a small business owner and general manager of the Econo Lodge in Effingham. From 2011 to 2015 he served on the Effingham City Council.

Milleville describes himself as a taxpayer advocate and activist who has been involved in numerous organizations including as the co-founder of the Effingham County Tea Party. Milleville and his girlfriend of 13 years attend St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham.

Milleville cites the passage last month of a state budget, noting Cavaletto voted with House Speaker Michael Madigan and Chicago Democrats to pass a 32-percent tax hike that will cost Effingham County families an additional $11 million, and in the other counties in the district, Marion ($8,512,003), Fayette ($3,717,845), Clinton ($9,678,020), and Bond ($3,654,918).

Cavaletto was first elected to office in 2008. He’s a retired school superintendent and basketball coach. He and his wife of nearly 51 years have three adult sons and multiple grandchildren.