Jimmy Carter

Carter was both my favorite president and my favorite former president.

Carter had served in the US Navy as a nuclear submarine officer and engineer. He not only knew how to operate nuclear subs, he knew how to repair them and their complex electronics.

During his initial security briefing after being elected president, Carter greatly impressed the briefing staff with the insights in his questions and his ability to absorb and integrate complex information. My father told me that the Naval intelligence community considered Carter the smartest politician they had ever briefed.

President Carter emphasized human rights as a guiding principle in American foreign policy. Critics said we should be more instrumental in our policy, but Carter’s stubborn implementation of his Christian values made me proud to be an American.

Only when Carter was four decades out of office did it dawn on me how much inspiration I had drawn from his exemplary public service.

President Carter installed solar panels on the White House. As a teenager at the time, that REALLY impressed me. I dreamed that someday I would be able to do the same.

You can also explore my solar blog, SomiSolar.com where I explain solar home economics and how to run a house with solar + batteries when the grid is down.

Jimmy and Roselyn Carter were big supporters of affordable housing and worked closely with Habitat for Humanity for many years after leaving the White House.

One frequently saw photos of them helping to build and refurbish houses for low income families. 

Inspired by the Carters’ commitment to affordable housing, I agreed to serve an extra, 5th term as mayor of South Miami so I could lock in the zoning approval and funding for two major affordable housing projects, both of which were completed after I left office. Here’s one of them:

After leaving office Carter championed democracy and protected election integrity throughout the world.

I am writing this remembrance in a quiet moment as I volunteer as a poll observer, something I have done for the past two decades.

For my non-Miami resident friends, 305 is our area code and thus greater Miami is often referred to as “The 305”. This year, two friends and I started an organization, We the People of 305, to coordinate events supporting democracy in greater Miami. You can check out our Pro-Democracy Events Calendar at wtp305.org/events. We will make our software available if you or someone you know wants to host your own local events calendar.

During his presidency, the Carters would slip out the back door at Camp David to evade the press, whereupon the Secret Service would whisk them up to the clear mountain streams of central Pennsylvania where they would unwind by fly fishing for trout.

As Carter was leaving office, a reporter asked the President what he would do next. Carter replied: “I’m going to become a really good fly fisherman.”

Not there yet, but I’m working on it.

© Philip Stoddard