Donald Baker for Raymore City Council, Ward 1
Welcome
Welcome to the Donald Baker for Raymore, MO City Council campaign site!
Help us campaign today for a better tomorrow!
Working together with constituents, for our future
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 nearly 15 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 15 years with my wife’s family living in the area for almost 37 years. We spent many weekends coming out to my in-laws homes 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 it 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 32-years of experience in transportation and logistics with two large companies. Currently, I am an Operations Manager with FedEx Freight in Edwardsville, KS, which is the largest freight facility in the nation for FedEx. I have been with FedEx over 17 years. As an Operations Manager, I am responsible for over 650 employees, payroll budgets that exceed 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 4th!
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 33-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 through smart TIF's, CID's and TDD's and common-sense fiscal budgeting.
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.