Budget changes and the rapid advancement of technology pose challenges to Penobscot County government in the near future. Penobscot County Commissioner Peter Baldacci has filed papers for re-election because, he said, he wants to help the county meet those challenges as it heads into the next century.

At 42, Baldacci is a lawyer who already has served eight years — two terms — as a commissioner. A Bangor native, he represents District 1, an area that covers Bangor, Brewer and Hampden.

A Democrat and the current chairman of the three-member commission, Baldacci is running unopposed.

Penobscot County recently was granted budget autonomy by the Legislature. This means the county will have final authority over its budget and that the Legislature no longer will be required to approve it.

Budget autonomy means fewer delays in the budget process. It also means certain budget items are less likely to get caught up in “partisan crossfires” and get approved or scratched from the budget at the legislative level, according to Baldacci.

Commissioners also are examining technologcal advances including a regional dispatch center and an enhanced emergency response — E-911 — system. Both projects will require considerable money, effort and organization to get off the ground but would place Penobscot County in the forefront of emergency communication systems as it heads into the next century, according to Baldacci. Baldacci is married and has two children. He lives in Bangor.

A lawyer for 17 years, he practices domestic, personal injury and real estate law with the Bangor firm of Treworgy and Baldacci.