Baker announces re-election plans for Porter Town Board

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, October 6, 2007

Town of Porter Councilman Jeff Baker has announced his plans for re-election this November.

Baker has been a member of the Porter Town Board for the past 3-1/2 years. He takes pride in the fact that during this time, he and his colleagues have been able to maintain the low tax rate Porter residents deserve. “We are always looking for ways to save the taxpayers money, and at the same time provide the best possible service to our community,” Baker says.

He reports that Porter is currently looking into expanding the hours of operation at Town Hall to accommodate residents who’ve been unable to stop in during regular business hours. And the town is looking into shared services with the Village of Youngstown in an effort to save more tax dollars. As councilman, Baker has also worked with the town’s Master Plan committee and its agricultural and rezoning committees.

A member of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. for the past 25 years, he was honored as Fireman of the Year by the fire district in 1996. Baker’s military service includes serving in the U.S. Marine Corps where he was honorably discharged in 1985, and membership in the Conrad Kania Marine Corps Detachment.

Baker has been active in running Peter Baker Farms, his family’s long-established farming operations located on Porter-Center Road, for the past 30 years. “We raise about 100 acres of fruit and plant over 1,200 acres of field crops,” he says.

In 1999, Baker was instrumental in re-establishing the Ransomville Business and Professional Association, and he continues to serve as its president. His accomplishments with the group include successful fundraisers, which have enabled the association to purchase welcome signs to the hamlet as well as seasonal banners. “I have chaired and co-chaired several very successful benefits for local residents. I am a life-long resident of Ransomville and dedicated to my community,” Baker says.

A board member on the Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, Baker is also a member of the 3F Conservation Club in Lewiston where he enjoys skeet shooting.

He and Gloria, his wife of three years, have three children: Amber, Alec and Ryan.

He asks for your vote on Nov. 6. “I have enjoyed serving, and look forward to continued service,” Baker says.