Maine’s high ranking elected office holders are offering thoughts on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100. Carter was oldest living U.S. president of all time and was elected in 1976 as the 39th president.
Senator Susan Collins said he meant a lot to people around the world.
“As President, Governor, and a Navy officer, Jimmy Carter served our country with distinction and integrity,” said Collins. “President Carter always remained grounded in his ideals, true to his roots, and guided by his deep faith. After returning to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, President Carter continued to give back in many ways, from alleviating poverty, partnering with Habitat for Humanity, and working to improve the quality of life in more than 80 countries through the Carter Center. He also taught Sunday school in his community. As a peacemaker and a humanitarian, he left behind a powerful and inspiring legacy. In this time of sorrow, it is my hope his family will find comfort in knowing how much President Carter meant to people throughout the world.”
Senator Angus King said Carter epitomized the American Dream, rising from humble beginnings to become President.
“President Carter led a life of incredible service, putting country over party and politics,” said King. “From his early days as a sailor with the United States Navy to the White House, President Carter personified our true American values. He was compassionate, unapologetic in his convictions, and forward-thinking — calling out racial discrimination as Governor of Georgia, negotiating the Camp David Accords, and dedicating his post-presidential career to community service. Jimmy Carter’s extraordinary life story epitomized the American Dream and proved that any one of us can go from humble beginnings to President of the United States and human rights champion for the world. Now that’s a legacy to be proud of. May the Carter family, and his beloved Georgia community, find peace and comfort during these difficult times.”
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said Carter fought against poverty and protecting the environment until his final days.
“Whether he was putting solar panels on the White House before many understood their full potential or giving up his humble peanut farm to prevent even a hint of impropriety as president, Jimmy Carter demonstrated how the nation’s top executive can lead by example,” said Pingree. “Even after leaving office, President Carter remained dedicated to the greater good – safeguarding free and fair elections around the world and with his bare hands building affordable housing alongside Habitat for Humanity for over 30 years. At 100, America’s longest living president maintained a commitment to election integrity, fighting poverty, and environmental protection until his last days. My thoughts are with the Carter family.
Maine’s two senators also released statements admiring Carter’s legacy.”
Maine Governor Janet Mills said he worked to make the world a better place.
“President Carter led a remarkable life centered around service to others,” said Mills. “As a peanut farmer, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, Governor of Georgia, President of the United States, respected statesman and humanitarian, and a humble Sunday School teacher, President Carter spent his life working to make our world a better place. He was the moral conscience of a nation whose words and deeds demonstrated that the human capacity for kindness and goodness is limitless. America has lost a true model of servant leadership. On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend my deepest sympathies to the Carter family.”
Maine Democrats also released a statement.
“President Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his outstanding character and decades of service to the American people as a naval officer, elected leader, and humanitarian. His remarkable legacy includes his support of civil rights as the governor of Georgia, the creation of the U.S. Departments of Energy & Education during his presidency, and his work to support democracy, disaster relief, and disease prevention after leaving office. We extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family.”
