Many of Maine’s elected officials have issued statements following the death of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100, with Gov. Janet Mills ordering Maine flags to remain at half-staff in honor of the 39th American president.

“President Carter led a remarkable life centered around service to others,” said Gov. Janet Mills (D). “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,” said Gov. Mills. “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.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by all four members of Maine’s Congressional delegation.

“As President, Governor, and a Navy officer, Jimmy Carter served our country with distinction and integrity. 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.”

“President Carter led a life of incredible service, putting country over party and politics,” said Sen. Angus King (I). “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,” Sen. King said.

“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,” King concluded. “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.”

“President Carter steered our nation through rough waters at home and abroad during his time in the Oval Office,” said Rep. Jared Golden (D). “After the presidency, he admirably continued to dedicate himself to others. My prayers are with his family as they celebrate his long life of service.”

“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 Rep. Chellie Pingree (D).

“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,” said Rep. Pingree.

“At 100, America’s longest living president maintained a commitment to election integrity, fighting poverty, and environmental protection until his last days,” Pingree concluded. “My thoughts are with the Carter family.”

Editor’s Note: While the Maine Wire will be following Chilon of Sparta’s advice —  de mortuis nil nisi bonum dicendum est — it’s worth noting that Carter’s presidency was characterized by domestic economic dysfunction and violent international turmoil, placing Carter in tight competition with Presidents James Buchanan, Jr. and Joseph R. Biden, Jr. in any contest for worst U.S. president of all time.