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I believe Joe Baldacci is the Mainer we need now to represent us in Congress. In 2001, I worked for Joe and his sister Rosemary at Momma B’s Kitchen. Rosemary ran the show, but Joe often stopped by to see if we needed anything and to talk to people there.
I remember then a friend telling me about the spaghetti dinners the Baldaccis would host, that those were some of the nights he and his siblings would all go to bed with full stomachs. That’s what it really means to take care of your neighbors.
Later when the restaurant really did need help, he was there. I know he was beyond busy being a lawyer, chair of the Bangor City Council, and a father, but he would show up and be patient with whatever we needed.
I moved away from Maine around 2015, got stuck in the Southwest longer than I wanted, but one thing I enjoyed hearing about from back home was Joe’s wins in the state Legislature, like protecting mobile home residents from displacement by corporate investors. How many politicians care about mobile home park residents? I loved seeing his social media posts, sharing Maine politics, celebrating his family, and spreading positivity and Maine pride.
I’m back in Maine now, and Joe never left. He’s been here all along, representing real Mainers and ready to push back against anything from the current administration that hurts those most vulnerable in Maine. I’m glad to say this time I’m here for it.
Joanna Carson
Dexter
