Baker Municipal Elections Set March 24

BAKER — Voters in the City of Baker will go to the polls on Saturday, March 24 to elect a new Mayor, Police Chief, and five members of the Baker City Council.  All of the candidates seeking election are Democrats.

The Central City News asked the candidates to provide a photograph and a statement of candidacy.  Here are their responses, edited for length:

Leroy Davis • Candidate for Mayor

Former Baker Mayor Leroy Davis announces his candidacy for Mayor of the City of Baker.  The election will be held March 24, 2012.  Davis will put Baker first by focusing on Economic Development to bring new businesses and jobs to Baker. He will immediately reduce skyrocketing water and utility bills and he will reinstate Senior Citizen discounts for water and sewer.

Davis has served as Mayor, Interim Mayor, and has served on the Baker City Council.  He has 3½ years experience as Mayor and 9 years’ experience as a Councilman.  He was the first African-American elected both as Mayor and as a City Councilman.  Davis is the only candidate with Mayoral and Councilman experience.

As Mayor, Davis was a proven job creator bringing hundreds of new jobs to Baker.  He improved public safety by equipping the Police and Fire Departments with the necessary resources; and Davis improved the City’s infrastructure by paving and fixing roads and streets. Under his leadership as Mayor, Super Wal-Mart, Exxon On The Run, Murphy’s Discount Gas, Subway, and Wendy’s came to Baker, along with other new businesses.

Davis considers his experience as Mayor and as a Councilman, his knowledge of Baker City government, its ordinances, rules, and procedures, as well as his accomplishments in community service to be some of his most important qualifications.  He knows the importance of this position in Baker City government, and he understands the needs of the community and the need to put the citizens of Baker first when making decisions.

Davis earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois. Dr. Davis had a distinguished career as a college professor and administrator; and was a nationally recognized economist.  He retired from Southern University with 22 and one-half years of service, where he served as a professor and dean. He is also retired from Alcorn State University after eight years as a professor, dean, research director, and extension administrator.  Davis has served as chairman and vice chairman of the Baker Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and has been a member of the Executive Council of the Istrouma Area Boy Scouts of America. He is the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award – Boy Scouts of America. He served on the Baker High and Bakerfield Elementary Schools Advisory Committees.  He is a member of the Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church. He is an U.S. Army veteran, a member of American Legion Post 502; and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.  Davis has been an active member of the Baker community for 37 years.

He is married to Elaine Griffin Davis, a retired assistant state director of Special School District in the State Department of Education. They are the parents of twin sons: Griffin Leroy Davis, M.D., M.P.H. and Garvin Henderson Davis, M.D., M.P.H., and have four grandchildren.

Donald Ray “Duck” Kyer • Candidate for Mayor

“I want to bring Baker into the  21st century while focusing on education, new businesses, infrastructure, employees and economic development.

“Baker is a city that can start to move forward, with the right leadership and involvement of the citizens of Baker.”

Mayor Harold M. Rideau • Candidate for Mayor

Mayor Harold M. Rideau is looking forward to a third term in office.  Asked why he is running again, Rideau stated, “We’re in the middle of many projects that were started during my administration, and I would like to see them through completion.  These projects will have a lasting impact on the lives of our residents and our community.

“We have good relationships with several granting authorities and have been able to save hundreds of thousands of dollars on mandatory expenditures.  Some of the grants we’ve been awarded have given us the ability to address projects that have been on hold for over 20 years.

“Until our infrastructure has been updated, our city is at risk of damage from hurricanes and other natural disasters.  Over the last eight years I have been in office, we have weathered four major hurricanes, without lasting damage, flooding, or loss of life.”

Mayor Rideau is running on his record in office and has been making a difference in the city by promoting progress through honesty, integrity, and service.

Rideau was a communication and engineering officer in the U.S. Army and was commended for his service in the Vietnam conflict.  He worked for ExxonMobil Plastics for over 36 years and was an engineering instructor at Southern University.  Harold Rideau was a pioneer in the area of preventative machine failure analysis.

Mayor Rideau is currently serving our community through the Baker Rotary Club, Team City, the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and as a hunters education instructor.

Harold Rideau, 65, is celebrating 41 years of marriage to Juanita Richard Rideau.  They are the proud parents of four successful children — a medical doctor, an Army captain who served two tours in Iraq, an operator at ExxonMobil, and a budding attorney.

Monteic Sizer • Candidate for Mayor

“I believe in Baker.  I believe in the people of Baker.  I believe in the potential that Baker has.  Unfortunately, for years now, Baker has suffered from administrations that have kept it from reaching its true potential.  Now is the time for Baker to become one of the best cities in Louisiana to buy a home, raise a family, get a good education, and start a business.

“The ways of the past haven’t worked.  Conflict between the Mayor’s Office and Baker City Council, coupled with under performing schools and limited economic development have caused many Baker residents to move to Central, Zachary, or other points North.  The average incomes of Baker families lag behind the state average.  Nearly 40 percent of Baker residents live on less than $25,000 per year.  Our homes are worth less than our neighbors.  The average family is being hurt by Baker’s soaring utility costs and lack of governmental transparency.

“There was a time, not that long ago, when Baker Pride meant something.  The Buffalo that represents us is a symbol of strength and determination.  I want to restore that pride to our people and city.  I want to take Baker into the 21st century by keeping our best and brightest in our community and help to facilitate Baker’s growth and prosperity.

“If I am elected mayor, I will bring transparency and trust back to City Hall.  This is your government, and it should work for you and with you.  I will bring a real plan to you, one with real goals that can restore the luster lost through the years.  I will work with the city council, the school district, and our business leaders.  I will reach out to our legislature and congressional leadership to assure that Baker gets its fair share of dollars.  I will build relationships, not burn them.  I will be our community’s greatest ambassador.  We are one Baker.

“Being mayor is not a popularity contest.  Being mayor is about having vision, professional experience, governance ability, and compassion for people.  God has uniquely prepared me to serve in such a capacity, and I look forward to working with you as the next mayor of Baker.

“I am a man who is seeking to live out God’s purpose.  It is God’s gifts and talents that I seek to use to help uplift people, communities, and government.  I am doing so for God’s glory.

“I believe public service is a calling.  And because its a calling, I have served people, communities, and multiple levels of government for years while functioning as either a clinical-community psychologist, CEO, consultant, or volunteer.  I have operated with integrity and have helped all who sought it.  I seek opportunities for all.

“My wife, attorney Veronica Howard Sizer, and I live in Baker and have four children.  We believe in family and the responsibilities that go along with it.  We are active members of Star Hill Church and are committed to improving the lives of others through public service, prayer, and philanthropy.

“While living in Baker, I have been active in the community.  I served as vice chair of the City of Baker Planning and Zoning Commission, joined the Baker Rotary Club, and have been active with Neighbors United for a Better Baker (NUBB).  With members of NUBB, I helped to facilitate conversations around economic development, education, and crime reduction.

“I earned an associate in applied science degree in industrial safety, security, and health management technology from Central Piedmont Community College before receiving a bachelors of science (summa cum laude) in psychology and criminal justice from Pfeiffer College.  I earned a Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology from the University of South Carolina at Columbia.  I completed my clinical residency at William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute.

“It is time for Baker to rise again.  Baker will rise, with hard work, your support, and the faith I have in God and our city.  Join me in creating a new Baker, one that protects the legacy of our past while building a road map to our future.  Together, we can have New Vision, New Leadership, A New Baker.”

Charles Vincent • Candidate for Council District 1

Charles Vincent, a Democrat, was unopposed in Council District 1.

Pete Heine • Candidate for Council District 2

“After much prayer, soul-searching, and encouragement from many citizens I have made the decision to seek the office of City Councilman, District 2 for the City of Baker.  I am not running against any one particular candidate, but rather am offering my many years of experience to fill this seat.  The main thrust of my campaign will be to work with the Mayor, whomever you elect to the City Council, our Police and Fire Chief, court officials, school officials, business and community leaders, and all ministers to improve the image of our city.  This can be accomplished by working together with one agenda.

“I am a Christian, a member of Baker First Baptist Church, serve as church coordinator for Christ Fellowship Church of Leland, and a Man of Manresa.  I am a widower, having been married to the late Georgia Lea Pilcher for 53 years.  Together we had five children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

“My opposition has said that I am too old to run for public office, but those who know me best know that this is not true.  I learned long ago that wisdom comes with age.  As a young man I did not think that seniors knew much about life, but as I grew older I came to realize how wise they really were.  As you grow older you may lose muscle tone, but you gain knowledge and wisdom.  I will be a strong voice for all senior citizens.

“My experience is unquestionable.  I served proudly for 23 years as Mayor of the City of Baker, eight years on the Baker City Council, and nearly eight years as the first parish manager for West Feliciana Parish.  I am a military veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as crew chief on a F-86 Saber jet during the Korean War, between 1948 and 1952, and also participated in the Berlin Air Life.

“I am ready, willing, and able to serve this great city, and would appreciate your consideration and vote.  If you would like to talk with “Pete”, please call 775-3577.

A.J. Walls • Candidate for Council District 2

“Thank you for allowing me to be your District 2 Councilman for the past 12 years!  I consider it a privilege to serve the community where I have lived for 43 years; where Sharon and I have raised three sons who graduated from Baker High, and where I have coached many of your children in Little League and BREC sports.  Our sons, Allen, Marcus, and Kelly are grown now with families of their own, and in our retirement, Sharon and I are enjoying our six grandchildren, five boys and one granddaughter!

“I hope that you will vote for me again this year on March 24, so that I can continue to work for you and our great American hometown — Baker, Louisiana — a safe, progressive, and friendly town with big city convenience and small town feeling!  Baker has been fortunate, not having felt much of the downturn that many small cities in our country have seen.  It is my belief that the opportunity exists for continued growth and prosperity in our city, situated as it is near the Capital City, the airport, and interstate highway access.

“Thank you for your consideration!”

Achievements during time in office:

• Completion of road and sidewalk improvements on Groom Road west of Hwy. 19

• Construction of award-winning Veterans Plaza and Gazebo in City Park

• Improvements to the Walking Track

• Construction of award winning Fire Department, Office of Emergency Preparedness, and Homeland Security

• Improvements and upgrades to public infrastructure including street overlays, drainage water towers and lines, and gas lines

• Upgrades to equipment in all departments, including Public Works field equipment and significant upgrades to computer systems for all departments of the city

• City of Baker has received several million dollars in grants for major city-wide improvements

• Instrumental in reducing the number of accidents throughout our city because of improved traffic enforcement utilizing photo enforcement equipment

• Voted for budgeting funds that allowed our city’s fire rating to be upgraded to a Class 2, resulting in decreased insurance costs for homeowners

• Married to Sharon Hammack Walls

• Father of Allen, Marcus, and Kelly Walls

• Resident of Baker for 43 years

• Councilman of District 2 for 12 years

• Member of City of Baker Utility Commission

• Member City of Baker Cemetery Commission

• Board Member of East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging

• Member of Veterans Plaza Board of Commissioners

• Little League baseball coach

• BREC football coach

• Baker Booster Club President

• Attends Zoar Baptist Church

Remember your vote is important.  Yes, one person’s vote can make a difference.  Call me at 778-1293 or 317-1042.

Joyce Burges • Candidate for Council District 3

Joyce Burges will work to:

• Increase integrity and transparency in city leadership for overall city management

• Attract and encourage desirable businesses and improve economic development

• Renew the love of learning into the hearts and minds of children, parents, and teachers

• Create community involvement for constituents and participate in community events

• Overall: To be a servant of the people

About Joyce Burges:

• Resident of Baker for nearly 25 years

• Attended Capitol High and Southern University

• An educator for 23 years

• Community activist

• Active in the local church

• Board member for several local organizations

• Married to Eric Burges for nearly 35 years

• Raised five children living in Baker

• Grandmother of four beautiful granddaughters

David Georgetown • Candidate for Council District 4

“I believe you need strong leadership qualities to help run a city, I am one of those people.  I will help bring Baker into the 21st century and beyond.

“I will create community listening tools every six months.  Will work side by side with the school system to improve our schools.

“I believe that without a strong school system there can be no economic development.  I will solicit new businesses to bring to our city.

“I’ve raised my family in Baker.  Let’s make Baker a family friendly city again.  Join me in building a better Baker.”

• Majored in business administration at University of Louisiana at Monroe

• Owned business in the Baker/Baton Rouge area for over 20 years

• Member of civic organization Neighbors United for a Better Baker

• Married to Amelia for 25 years

• Three daughters, Miranda, Mariah, and Morgan

John Givens • Candidate for Council District 5

John Givens is a candidate for Baker City Council in District 5.

Givens is a Democrat and is a resident of Baker.  He is retired from Pitney Bowes, Inc., a Fortune 500 company as a consultant.

His campaign commitment is to support new and existing businesses.  Support the Baker School System and be available to all residents of District 5.  Let the people have input.

Givens said, “Baker needs a change.  New leadership to go to another level.  United we can improve and grow the City of Baker.  People in the City of Baker and District 5 should ask themselves are we better today than we were four years, eight years, or 12 years ago?  And their answer is no.

“The people in Baker are experiencing drainage, utilities, and street problems.  They are presently going through high water and sewer bills since the installment of new water meters in the amount of $200, $300, $400.

“Only new business we have coming in are small businesses.  All Star Chevorlet is planning to move in the near future.”

Givens and his wife Katina have five children and two grandchildren.  He is a member of King Children Full Gospel where he is Deacon pastor by Robert H. Joseph, Sr.

He is a graduate of Southern University with a bachelor’s of science degree in economics.  He is a member of the Baker High Booster Club, Who’s Who Professional Association, and National Build Trade Associate.

Fred O. Russell • Candidate for Council District 5

“When I ran for office 12 years ago, I won by a majority vote of 60 percent.  This large win was attributed to the exemplary services I provided to the citizens while working as the city administrator and emergency manager for 10 years for the city of Baker.

“The 12 years I have spent as a Baker City Councilman have been among the most rewarding, challenging, humbling, and fulfilling years of my life.  I feel that I am the most experienced, qualified, proven, dedicated candidate running in District 5.  From that experience, I chose to run for re-election because serving God and serving the people are a fulfillment of my daily life.  My love for people will never change, nor will my efforts to serve my fellow man!

“I have actively served the Baker community by my involvement and support of various groups, clubs, and activities.  These include our churches, Baker Independent School, Baker Little League, Baker High Century Club, Baker Band Boosters, Baker Chamber of Commerce, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Buffalo Festival, Pilot Club, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Disabled Veterans, and other fund raisers to benefit our people.  I will continue to support our senior citizens and children.

“As councilman, I have played a major part in improvements to city streets, roads, drainage, utilities, railroad crossings, recreation, and fire and police services.  I have also helped to bring new businesses to Baker and refurbish old shopping centers.

“I personally funded and was responsible for erecting a sign in front of City Hall to honor Baker veterans serving in the armed forces.  I served on the Veterans’s Plaza Committee and physically assisted in the construction of this memorial honoring all veterans.

“I am retired and a full time councilman to be available and responsive to the citizens needs at all time.  We moved to the City of Baker in 1958 after serving in the U.S. Air Force.  I am a Korean war veteran.

“My wife Connie, now deceased, and I were married 54 years.  We have five children, nine grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.  We are members of St. Isidore Catholic Church.

“My home is at 5425 Lavey Lane in Baker.  I can be reached at 775-3389.

“With your help and God willing, I am looking forward to serving my district and the citizens of Baker for another four years.”

Chief Mike “Snapper” Knaps • Candidate for Chief of Police

“I am humbly honored to be your Chief of Police.  For 32 years, I have been a commissioned Baker police officer serving all the citizens of Baker.  I have lived in Baker 51 years.  I have been involved with the youth in Baker for over 35 years teaching, umpiring, refereeing, and coaching.  I have held every rank and every position in the Baker Police Department.  I was recognized as Baker Officer of the Year five times.

“In 2008 Central City News did a state and national crime survey and Baker was listed as the 2nd safest city in Louisiana and 4th safest in the U.S.A. with a 3.8 rating. The latest Universal Crime Report for Louisiana issued was last year and Baker improved to a 3.2 rating with Baton Rouge at a 12.6 rating (lower scores mean less major crime.)   We are still one of the safest cities in the country!  As long as you allow me to be your Chief, I will continue to be a firm but fair leader Keeping Baker Safer.

“I have equip-ped all of our patrolmen and their patrol units with the most up-to-date state of the art technology and specialized equipment available.  No other department in the country has their entire patrol fleet equipped any better than ours!  We have support equipment for all phases of enforcement and rescue.  This was made possible by securing over $1 million in state and federal grants at no cost to you.

“The Police Chief of Baker is not a position I take lightly; being a police officer is not just a job.   This is a life of dedication, and I have given mine to you, the citizens of Baker.  I am asking for your continued prayers and support by voting for me on March 24.”

Endorsed by AFL-CIO Central Body and East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux III

Silas Geralds • Candidate for Chief of Police

Silas Geralds’ philosophy is that any crime…is too much crime.  He has extensive knowledge in police service and its application to police administration.

Silas believes that crime prevention efforts and citizen participation are essential to any successful crime reduction plan.  To prevent crime, the police department has to implement many community police partnerships.

Silas’ goals are to educate citizens and in turn the police department, about how to be on the lookout for criminal activity, to report it before it happens, and to help deter young people from criminal activity by channeling their energy into education, recreation, and positive community activities.

Silas will use his 38 years of law enforcement experience to provide all citizens of this great city of Baker equality and protection under the law while encouraging input in making this city a safer place to live and work for all of our families.

Editor’s Note: Other candidates did not submit photos or statements.  However, their statements will be published in the March 22 edition of the Central City News, if submitted by March 16.