Sen. Baldacci sworn into Maine Senate
AUGUSTA — Earlier today, Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, was sworn into the Maine Senate. Sen. Baldacci was elected to his second term in the Senate in November.
Gov. Janet Mills administered the oath of office to Sen. Baldacci and 34 of his Senate colleagues, all of whom have been elected to serve two-year terms. He represents the people of Senate District 9, which includes Bangor and Hermon.
“I am honored to be trusted to represent the people of Bangor and Hermon once again in the Maine Senate,” said Sen. Baldacci. “There is so much that we need to do in order to continue to make Maine the best state to live, work and raise a family in. While I have many issues on my radar as we head into the 131st Legislature, I know that we need to make changes when it comes to Maine’s housing market, and the helping Mainers with heating and energy costs. I am eager to get right back to work.”
Sen. Baldacci has been practicing law for 31 years. A lifelong resident of Bangor, he has represented Maine families and small businesses in his small private practice in downtown Bangor. He served for 12 years on the Bangor City Council — including twice as Mayor and Council Chair — and has promoted and supported several important economic redevelopment projects throughout the city. Sen. Baldacci successfully worked to keep the Bangor City Nursing Home open when it was threatened with closure. He helped the Bangor Fire Department establish its ambulance and paramedic unit, which now brings in millions in revenue to the City and provides people with life-saving services. In 2004, Sen. Baldacci was appointed by the Council to negotiate an agreement with the City of Halifax concerning their airport. That agreement protects Bangor International Airport’s pre-clearance business on international flights.
The swearing-in ceremony was held in the Senate Chamber, and was attended by family and friends of the Senators, as well as the general public. A live stream of the event was made available to the general public, and can be viewed online at http://legislature.maine.gov/senate/.
Of the 35 members of the Maine Senate, there are 22 Democrats and 13 Republicans. Fourteen are women and 21 are men. There are 13 new members of the Senate: seven have recently served in the House of Representatives, and six have no previous legislative experience. Twenty-two members are incumbents.
The Legislature will reconvene at the start of the New Year. Learn more about Sen. Baldacci at www.mainesenate.org.
