Local officials react to death of Jimmy Carter
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Officials have been releasing their reactions to the death of former President Jimmy Carter.
Sen. Jack Reed said that Carter and his late wife Rosalyn were “champions for human rights, peace, and democracy:”
From the Naval Academy to the White House to Habitat for Humanity, Jimmy Carter led a life of public service and personal integrity. He and his late, beloved wife, Rosalyn, were true champions for human rights, peace, and democracy. Whether it was serving in the Navy or in office, President Carter dedicated his life to public service. He was ahead of his time on issues like climate change, clean energy, and environmental conservation. Jimmy Carter was a man of uncommon principle, compassion, caring, kindness, and faith who truly lived his values and made the world a better place.
Congressman Gabe Amo said that he will “always remember” Carter’s focus on human rights:
With the passing of President Jimmy Carter, we mourn a legend in public service and the North Star of what it means to truly love thy neighbor. I will remember his devout focus on global human rights, commitment to ethical leadership, and steadfast faith in the better angels of America. May he rest in peace.
Congressman Seth Magaziner said that the former president “supported democracy” during and after his term:
President Jimmy Carter devoted his life to pursuing peace, ending poverty, and supporting democracy during his presidency and in the decades that followed.
President Carter will be remembered as an honorable man who led with honesty and decency. May his example inspire generations to come.
Gov. Dan McKee said that the Carter “put service above self:”
Today our nation lost a great man, a compassionate leader and a true humanitarian. In everything he did, President Jimmy Carter put service above self. May his humility and integrity continue to inspire us all.
During this difficult time, we hold the Carter family in our hearts.
— Governor Dan McKee (@GovDanMcKee) December 29, 2024
Gov. Maura Healey ordered the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag to be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings until Jan. 28, 2025:
President Carter lived a life dedicated to peace, human rights, democracy and moral clarity. He set an enduring example of what it means to serve others, and his legacy will continue inspire generations to come. I’m sending love and strength to the Carter family as they, and our nation, process this profound loss. May we all honor his memory by building a more just, peaceful, and caring world.
Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio thanked Carter for his “lifetime of service:”
The @RISenate joins a grateful nation in mourning the loss of a great American, a man of integrity, faith, and charity. We are thankful for his lifetime of service.
Rest in Peace, President Carter.— Dominick Ruggerio (@SenatorRuggerio) December 29, 2024
Rhode Island Speaker of the House Joe Shekarchi said Carter was a “very humble and consequential gentleman:”
President Carter was a very humble and consequential gentleman who worked tirelessly to better the lives of countless Americans. In many ways, his legacy is even more impressive due to his great public service in his post-Presidential years. pic.twitter.com/gBoM5offGm
— Joe Shekarchi (@JoeShekarchi) December 29, 2024
The Massachusetts Democratic Party released the following statement:
Today, we honor the life and service of former President Jimmy Carter. President Carter was a true servant leader whose impact on the world and the lives he touched can never be fully measured. During his long and purpose-driven life, President Carter was guided by his faith, love of country, and sense of responsibility to his community. From his formative years as a Naval Officer to his humanitarian work later in life, President Carter was always in service of others. In the days to come, many memories will be shared about President Carter, and I hope that we can use them as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the difference one person can make.
President Carter was an optimist, and that is a gift he leaves each of us. I am grateful our Party can count President Carter as one of our own and for the leadership he provided our country, during his time as President, and for the many years after.
May President Carter rest in eternal peace and may the thought of his reunion with First Lady Rosalynn Carter bring his family and all who loved him comfort at this time of loss.
