Baker Un-Opposed in County Race

 

Belton, Mo. – On Tuesday, March 25 at 5pm, Representative Baker was on the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives defending public education funding and working to make sure education remained a top priority in the Missouri House.

 

At the same time, candidate filing for the August 5 primaries and the November 8 general election closed in Cass County. Baker, who had filed for North Commissioner, remained un-opposed.

 

“I am humbled…and honored,” stated Baker. “Obviously, I cherish our democratic-republic and the process that allows the exchange of ideas and the debate of issues. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity serve and thankful for the trust citizens have shown in me.”

 

Baker has made plans to continue to communicate with the citizens of Cass County. “We are not taking this for granted. We will be in parades, at community events, candidate forums, and we will take time to visit with citizens and hear their concerns.”

 

This is the third time Baker has run for public office un-opposed. In 2001 Baker was elected to the Belton City Council with no filed opposition but did face a write-in candidate. In 2006 Baker received no opposition has he ran for a third-term in the Missouri House. Shortly after the November 2006 elections, Baker announced he would not seek a fourth and final term.

 

Baker is already promoting ideas that he believes would help Cass County. One of his for goals is to work with municipalities and county leaders to create a “Cass County Master Plan.” Baker cited the need to have a long term vision for the development of the county in terms of residential, business, agricultural, and community growth.

Improved efficiency in local county government is another goal. At his announcement for North Commissioner, Baker shared that he supported moving Cass County to a “Charter-form” of government. “I firmly believe in letting citizens decide their own future…and allowing them to decide how to best govern themselves rather than using a one-size fits all approach,” states Baker. 

 

A major philosophical goal for Baker is to make sure citizens understand how county government works. He is developing plans to explain the county budget and to inform citizens and the public about issues facing the community. “I have discovered that communication is essential for good government. The more communication you have then a better exchange of ideas takes place.”