Donald Baker - Raymore City Council, Ward 1
Welcome
Welcome to the Re-Elect Donald Baker for Raymore City Council Campaign
Help us campaign today for a better tomorrow!
Working together with constituents, for our future
About My candidacy
Where I stand on some key issues -
What is the most important issue facing your community? How do you intend to address it?
Raymore is at a crossroads. As the city grows, we're faced with a critical challenge: balancing residential expansion with a growing need for new retail businesses, restaurants, and entertainment options. These are the key drivers of tax revenue, which, if harnessed effectively, can relieve the tax burden on our residents.
A recent study for our Blueprint 2045 master plan revealed that Raymore's "Pull Factor" is only 0.74. (For context, a pull factor below 1.0 means we’re losing retail dollars to neighboring cities.) As the study put it, “Raymore is experiencing significant retail leakage.” Simply put, we’re sending our hard-earned dollars elsewhere, and it's time to change that.
While it's essential to prioritize public safety, maintain infrastructure, and ensure that Raymore remains a fantastic place to live, we also need to be smart about how we manage taxpayer dollars. Thoughtful, long-term financial planning will be key to our future.
With 34 years of experience leading in the private sector, I’m uniquely positioned to balance both the big picture and immediate needs. I believe elected officials should treat public funds with the same care and attention as their own household budgets. One comment from a recent council meeting really stuck with me: “We need to find ways to do more with less money.” That’s the kind of mindset we need when making decisions that affect our community’s future.
To tackle this issue head-on, I propose we develop a Retail Master Plan. This will be a detailed roadmap that looks at which retail segments we’re losing to nearby cities, and how we can capture those dollars moving forward. Knowing what local residents are spending their money on, and how well we’re capturing that spending, is essential for developing the right strategy. But it doesn’t stop there. We also need to aggressively market Raymore to retail developers—showing them the opportunities that come with our expanding residential base and underdeveloped retail sector.
Over the past 20 years, Raymore has experienced impressive residential growth, but our retail development hasn’t kept pace. This gap impacts our tax revenue and hampers our ability to fund essential services like police, parks, and public works—services that make Raymore such a great place to live—without adding more financial strain on our residents. Attracting new, tax-generating businesses and entertainment options will not only strengthen our financial foundation but also enhance the quality of life for everyone in our community.
It's time to take action. With the right strategies and best people serving on our city council, we can build a more balanced, prosperous future for Raymore. I am the best candidate for this challenge and I ask for your vote on April 8th for a better Raymore today and in the future.
Why are you running for this office, and what are your qualifications?
I’m running for re-election to the Raymore City Council because I deeply care about our community and the people who call Raymore home. My family chose Raymore as our home because of its incredible potential—both today and for years to come—and we’ve been proud to invest in its future.
I bring a fresh perspective to the City Council, shaped by years of leadership in the private sector. I currently serve as a Field Engineer with FedEx Freight, where I recently celebrated my 19th year. Before this role, I managed operations at the largest freight facility in the United States. Prior to FedEx, I spent 15 years at UPS in various leadership positions. These experiences have taught me the importance of sound fiscal management, making tough decisions, and, most importantly, running a profitable business while maintaining high customer satisfaction—skills I apply to serving our city.
Over the past two years on the council, I’ve made it my priority to listen to and act on the concerns of my constituents. It’s essential that elected officials hear from the people who put their trust in us and work tirelessly to address their needs. As Raymore grows, we must manage that growth wisely, maintain critical city services, and always keep our residents’ tax burdens in mind. Transparency, honesty, and accountability must guide every decision we make.
I’ve worked hard to be a councilmember who represents not just Ward 1, but every resident of Raymore. I’m committed to doing what’s right for our entire community—today and in the future.
On April 8th, I respectfully ask for your vote to continue serving you on the Raymore City Council. Together, we can build a brighter future for our city.
LATEST NEWS - Dec 2024
Re-Election Bid for Raymore City Council - Ward 1
I am excited to announce my re-election bid for Raymore City Council, Ward 1. As a dedicated public servant over the past two years, I have been driven by a passion to serve and create a meaningful difference in our community, while also working to understand the complexities of our city’s operations and future direction. By listening to and addressing the concerns and will of my constituents, I have worked to create positive change and ensure that our city remains a great place to live. I have challenged conventional wisdom and the status quo, asked tough questions, and consistently defended the interests of those who elected me. As a council member, I believe it is essential to remain accountable to the citizens, rather than outside influences. I am eager to continue this important work and earn the trust of my constituents over the next three and a half months. On April 8th, 2025, I ask for your vote to help us build a brighter future for Raymore, one that honors the values and spirit that drew all of us here in the first place. Thank you for your support on this journey and let’s work together to strive for a better tomorrow starting today! Thank you and God Bless America!
About myself
I decided to run for Raymore City Council because I wanted to give back to my community by utilizing my professional and personal experiences to the city that I call home.
My wife of 17 years, Tabatha, and myself decided to invest in Raymore in 2020 and buy a home in Ward 1. My history with the Raymore/Belton community goes back over 18 years with my wife’s family living in the area for almost 40 years. We spent many weekends coming out to my in-laws home and enjoying the Raymore & Belton area over those years before we moved here. I have always been interested in local politics in this area and the potential growth that the area could support. My wife and I love to spend time with our two grown sons and hosting many get-togethers with our family and friends.
In my professional life, I have over 34 years of experience in transportation and logistics with two large companies. Currently, I am a District Field Engineer with FedEx Freight in Edwardsville, KS, which is the largest freight facility in the nation for FedEx. I have been with FedEx over 19 years. Prior to Field Engineering, I was an Operations Manager responsible for over 650 employees, payroll budgets that exceeded millions of dollars and the day-to-day operation of running a large operation within budget and answering to our customers and shareholders. Fedex has afforded me the ability to learn and be efficient in effective leadership, communication skills, working collaborative internally and with other centers across the nation and the importance of staying within budget.
I am currently member of the Raymore Chamber of Commerce, certified QDM Expert with FedEx, a member of the American Society of Quality (ASQ) and a Certified Municipal Official by the Missouri Municipal League.
It would be my honor to receive your vote on April 8th!
Thank you!
Don
MY Platform
Serving the community through intregrity and transparency
Since my wife Tabatha and I made the decision to make Raymore our home, I have been involved in both civic and homeowners association activities along with always supporting our local community and businesses. I have witnessed the growth of Raymore for over 15 years. My decision to run for city council felt like the next step in getting involved and utilizing my skills in order to make a difference in our community.
Effective leadership in a corporate environment
I have a 34-year proven track record in fast paced corporate environments dealing with successfully leading teams of all sizes, adhering to budgets & shareholders and collaboratively working with other departments, functions and locations across the United States. I will bring a fresh, new perspective with a wide range of personal and professional experiences that will contribute greatly to the growth of our city.
Listening to those with concerns
I have always believed that you cannot make a solid decision unless you have the skills to listen to those who express their ideas and concerns. Front line workers often have the true pulse of a company and I feel the beliefs and thoughts of our residents will shape the community long into the future.
Residents are the Shareholders of Raymore
Homeowners are the backbone to a successful and stable community. Decisions on the growth of Raymore should always consider the effects on homeowners over time. I feel there needs to be a solid balance between economic growth and the services offered to our citizens.
Entertainment Infrastructure
Raymore has one of the highest growth rates in the metro over the last ten years. The city needs to ensure our residents have adequate entertainment activities and unique restaurants for all ages. My goal is to not only give our residents the choices to stay in Raymore with their hard-earned money, but also make Raymore a destination that persons from all over the Kansas City metro want to visit and experience.
Continue the economic development of Raymore by developing a Retail Master Plan
Raymore has experienced tremendous growth over the last 20 years. I feel the city is at a point where we need to focus on smart tax financing in bringing new projects and businesses to Raymore versus the actual cost to live in this city for our residents as compared to other locations in the metro.
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