Eastern Maine Development Corporation recognized Commissioner Peter Baldacci as the 2024 Community Partner of the Year for his decades of service and commitment to Penobscot County. With 36 years as a county commissioner, Baldacci has been a steadfast advocate for creating sustainable opportunities, and expanding county services while fostering growth in local communities.
The award was announced during EMDC’s annual board meeting and awards ceremony by EMDC’s board members, Laura Sanborn who served with him as county commissioner for 10 years, and Dan Tremble, who was recently elected to succeed Baldacci as Penobscot County commissioner. Sanborn mentioned the welcoming and efficient working environment Baldacci maintained with Commissioner Tom Davis with an eye on collaboration and community connections. She added, “Now Peter has reached that time when he is ready for the next chapter, from his outstanding and dramatic career and in public service.”
Tremble also highlighted Baldacci’s contributions, “I think we’re fortunate that Peter made a high impact and consistent contribution to the county when he obviously could have run for higher office. His commitment was to his profession and to his family, and he excelled at both of those.”
Tremble, growing up in Bangor with Baldacci and his family, said he will follow the values and work ethic that Baldacci embodied as commissioner.
Lee Umphrey, president & CEO of EMDC, reflected on Baldacci’s enduring impact, “Peter and I have been friends and colleagues for 30 years. He’s proven to be effective as both a lawyer and county commissioner protecting and promoting people. His work, especially with Commissioner Tom Davis, established Penobscot County as an exemplary leader for county government standards statewide. While political opposites, Peter and Tom made sure that people always came first in their collegial decision-making. As commissioner, Peter never hesitated to ask the tough respectful questions and to speak up, regardless of whether it’s a governor, including his brother, to protect and preserve our local interests. That’s an important trait and a reminder that we need to think more locally and work stronger and better together within our community. Dan, succeeding Peter as commissioner, will provide the perfect continuation of his high standard.”
In receiving the award, Baldacci said, “It’s not about this. It’s what you are doing every day to make positive change. Together we need to find solutions to help people. And, I want to note, that we need to respect people who work for nonprofits and government because they are working to support all of us.”
