Politics & Government

About the Candidate: William Baker

Independent says he can provide new perspective from outside town's political structure.

Name: William Baker

Party: Unaffiliated

Position Seeking: Town Council District 2

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Family information: My wife, Joy, is a third-grade elementary school teacher. We have been together for 19 years. Our greatest blessings are our two children Kyle and Kaitlyn. Kyle is a senior at Farmington High School where he is enjoying his second year playing on the Boys Varsity Soccer team and preparing for next year as he will head off to college. Kaitlyn is a junior at FHS and she is a kindred spirit whose passion and emotions show through in everything she does. We are fortunate to be able to live in the West District area on Redcoat Lane in Unionville.  

Occupation, if applicable: I am a staff auditor with the Office of the Auditors of Public Accounts. I have been with the APA for 7 1/2 years. Everyday, I strive to serve the public interest regarding fiscal and compliance matters related to the State of Connecticut. This is accomplished by providing independent, unbiased and objective opinions and recommendations on the operations of the State government.

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Prior to the APA, I was employed in the private sector in retail sales for over 12 years. I held many positions: sales, inventory manager, department manager and operations manager.

I am an officer in the Connecticut Army National Guard. In May 2010, I returned from a tour in Iraq where I served as the Commander of a 141 personnel Headquarters & Headquarters Company. I was awarded the Bronze Star for my service.

I have been a volunteer youth soccer coach at both the recreational and travel levels in Farmington. I recently was inducted as a member of the Exchange Club of Farmington. I am a national member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I am the current treasurer for the Farmington Girls’ Soccer Booster Club.

Political Experience:  This is my first experience at running for public office.

Why are you running for office?

Over the past few years, Farmington has experienced imprudent spending decisions. The continuous yearly budget increases that have occurred while town services have been cut will cause Farmington to erode from the exceptional community that we all expect it to be if something does not change. A fresh perspective from outside the current political structure is needed to move Farmington forward. Many residents were looking for someone to take action and provide them with an alternate choice to the current major party candidates so I stepped up. I have the skills and life experiences to provide our community with the new leadership it needs.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?

My primary areas of focus will be: 1) fiscal responsibility by ensuring that we weigh the town’s needs against the taxpayers’ ability to pay without affecting our exceptional quality of life; 2) re-establishing our education system’s past successes through a collaborative and cooperative effort with the BOE; and 3) implementing a responsive government geared toward addressing the issues that face individual town residents’ daily lives, especially seniors on fixed incomes that have been burdened with increasing property taxes that cut deeply into their livelihood.

What issues or opportunities is the town facing today?

I believe maintaining our current quality of life through fiscally responsible policies in these tough economic times is the most important issue facing Farmington. However, education, responsive government, economic development and traffic are all issues that are intertwined together that need to be addressed in order to maintain our current quality of life.

Our biggest opportunity is the many amenities we have to attract new businesses and grow our tax base.

How would you propose to address them?

I know that increased taxation does not equal better services or education. First and foremost, employee collective bargaining agreements that achieve long-term results, not just short-term fixes; stream-lining current operational practices through the exploration of methods that are more effective and efficient; and determining if town services could be privatized to reduce costs or improve quality.

I will work to change the town’s current image with the business community. This will require a combined effort by council members, economic development commissioners, planning and zoning commissioners and town employees together. Farmington is a great place to do business but we are not communicating it to businesses in a manner that promotes the growth Farmington needs.

Anything else you would like to share?

It is time for a change on the Town Council. A new perspective from outside the current political structure is needed to build on Farmington’s strengths and improve on past mistakes. My business and accounting background provides me the experience necessary to represent and serve the voters of Farmington in an independent and unbiased manner. I have a proven track record for working with people of various backgrounds and will be able to achieve results for the residents of Farmington.

For additional information on me, please feel free to contact me at: 860-255-7385; williambaker17@comcast.net; or review my website at www.BakerforFarmington2011.com.


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