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PROFILE: Everett Baker Grand Forks Council

1. Please give a brief summary of who you are and why you have decided to run for office.
 
My name is Everett Baker and I am the owner of Grand Forks Funeral Home and Cremation Center. I have been married to Deborah for 30 years and have three grown children Christine – Ann (David); Aaron (Chelsea); Hannah (Adam); and 3 beautiful grand-children: Brooklyn, Kara and Cassius. I decided to run for council because as a businessman this allows me to give back to my city.
 
2. What is your background? Have you held office before? If not what skills do you bring to the job if you are elected?
 
I am a licensed funeral director and as served on many boards, I served as chief operating officer for Chemdry Canada. I have managed retail stores and spent my years after graduation working in the television media. I ran for mayor in the last civic election. I feel as a businessman I can offer input on the financial side. I am a very good listener. I also able to look at all sides of an issue.
 
3. What do you think are the top three challenges facing the city in the upcoming term?

 I am very concerned with the spending of this present council.  They have proposed a referendum to borrow $ 4.2 million for infrastructure. I understand the need to upgrade the present infrastructure but is this the time to borrow, seeing the uncertain financial  conditions we face today and the extra burden this will place upon taxpayers. If this referendum was to pass how many jobs would be kept in Grand Forks? I ask you to vote no to borrowing. 
 
I would also like to see an economic development plan. This present council set up an economic development task force and in three years what do they have to show but a plan that in my opinion is very weak.  We need to looks for way to encourage new business here in the city. Small business is the backbone of any city and as a city council we must encourage small business growth and help fill the empty store front around town to provide the services that we as citizen of a healthy community need and expect. 
 
The greatest asset we have as a city is its citizens.  When you ask visitor what they remember most about our city one of the first things they talk about is the friendly people they have come in contact with.  When you go to the polls in November let’s remember the taxpayer and vote for those that want grow a prosperous and healthy community. 
 
4. How do you think you can impact these challenges?
 
I would like to seek government grants to cover the cost of infrastructure. I would also like to seek the advice of follow business and building owners as to economic development also hold a roundtable with other communities our size as to what they are doing to create an economic basic.
 
5. If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?
 
Family, realist and voice of reason.
 
6. Other comments that you feel are important to the voters.

I would like to hear your thoughts and what issues you want discuss over the next few weeks and remember in November let your voice be heard and vote.