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Baldini was rare breed who could get things done when they needed doing

There have been many accolades being shared this week about Tom Baldini, Marquette’s mayor, following his sudden death. Dignitaries from throughout the state attended his funeral.

Former Gov. James Blanchard said at the funeral that he often referred to Tom as the “Governor of the Upper Peninusla.”

Former U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak offered praise from former President Bill Clinton for the job Tom did while serving on the International Joint Commission.

Tom Baldini was just known for being the type of person that you went to when you needed to get something done. When Tom would come to me for support of any issue, he pretty much had me onboard before he even explained what he needed. I knew if Tom was in support of an issue that it was a legitimate issue and it was something that was going to make Marquette or the Upper Peninsula a better place.

Tom is an example of a person who served this community, and one who will be impossible to replace. People such as Elwood Mattson, who passed away many years ago, was also not replaceable.

You may find people with a passion for the community, but chances are they will not have the knowledge, the compassion, the drive, the contacts and the ability to get things done like an Elwood Mattson or a Tom Baldini. These guys were simply irreplaceable. They just don’t make people like Elwood or Tom anymore.

There are good people out there who are valuable and care for their community, but it is unlikely to impossible that they will reach the level of value to our area that Tom Baldini did.

When there is so much praise being passed around, this column may seem like I am piling on to an issue that has already been reported on enough, and there is no need for additional praise. If anyone feels that way, I apologize, but Tom Baldini was simply so special, so unique and so important to our community that I had to offer my thoughts and praise of Tom.

The truth of the matter is that Tom never did anything with the intention of being recognized or praised for his effort. He simply got involved with issues that would make Marquette and the Upper Peninsula a better place to live. Well, Tom, I can tell you that you made a huge difference for our community. No one will ever come close to taking your place, but you have provided a good road map for people who want to emulate you, to follow in your footsteps. They will never fill your shoes, but from lessons you have taught, they will play their part in making a difference in the future.

Thank you, Tom, for the huge impact you have had on me and anyone else who worked with you on projects in our community.

We will do our best to try to continue your work, but the bar has been set very high, so don’t expect the same level of results you have achieved.

Know that we will do our best because of the example you have set, but we are aware going in that to match the success and results you have achieved is most likely out of our reach.

Editor’s note: Jim Reevs is publisher of The Mining Journal.

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