Baker seeks re-election

FOR THE REVIEW)

Published: March 12, 2010

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Pennsylvania State Representative Matt Baker (R-68, Tioga and Western Bradford counties) recently announced that he will seek re-election to the State's House of Representatives.

Baker said he wants to continue the work of serving the people of Pennsylvania by pushing for lower state taxes, school property tax reduction, job creation, and protections for children and the elderly, in addition to promoting policies that will enhance the agricultural, manufacturing, allied health and tourism industries.

"Representing the honest, hard-working people of the 68th Legislative District has been a joy and an honor," Rep. Baker stated. "I would like to express my appreciation to all the people who have given me the privilege of serving. I am sincerely grateful for the confidence and trust extended to me over the years."

Baker is the Republican Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and has been an ardent supporter of improving access to quality health care that is affordable. The Health and Human Services Committee considers legislation that impacts programs and services that now cost more than $23 billion in state and federal funding ($10 billion in state funding) to help the state's most vulnerable citizens. He also is a member of the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education that oversees all 14 state universities, including Mansfield University. In addition, he serves on the Firefighters & Emergency Services, Local Tax Reform, and Diabetes and Lupus caucuses, and created the Rural Health Caucus to address the improvement of rural health care in Pennsylvania. Baker also was recently elected to serve on the Pennsylvania Rural Health Association Board of Directors and serves on the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Review Council.

Baker was recently recognized by House Leadership for 17 years of perfect voting attendance in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and as one of the leading legislators in providing constituent services. His offices serve an average of 250 to 300 people each day and provide six times the average volume of services processed by members of the House.

Baker has 29 years of combined experience as a legislator, legislative aide in state government, and was an advocate for the disabled during his 12½ year tenure in a Wellsboro law firm.

"I would like to continue my full-time service to the citizens of Tioga and Western Bradford counties - working hard to support initiatives that will improve economic growth, create jobs, and protect taxpayers. I am eager to represent the issues and values inherent to our local area in the coming years," Baker said.

Baker's current and past civic memberships include the Laurel Health Care System's Development Council (past chairman), Wellsboro Food Pantry (past president and vice-president), Wellsboro Rotary Club, Pennsylvania and Tioga County farmers' associations, Governor's Council for the Employment of People with Disabilities (past vice-chairman), Charleston Valley Grange, Tioga County Visitors Bureau, Tioga County Development Corporation, and the National Rifle Association. Baker has also served as a long-time Tioga County Republican Committeeman and currently serves on the Executive Committee. He has received the State Governor's Award for Volunteerism and has been honored with numerous statewide awards for his advocacy and help in providing funding for health care needs throughout Pennsylvania.

A graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School, Baker received his degree in Political Science/Law from Elmira College, graduating as an honors scholar. He also attended Mansfield University and graduated from Corning Community College. A native of Westfield, he has been a lifelong resident of Tioga County and resides with his wife, Brenda, in Wellsboro where they are members of the Wellsboro First Baptist Church.

This press release was submitted by People to Elect Matt Baker.

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I have voted for Baker since the first time he ran for office. I have met him. He's a likable guy.

However, ever since this gas drilling began Matt Baker has been MIA on the entire matter. He has no known positions on our LOCAL issues, primary among which is the drilling. All of Matt's positions and votes on Commonwealth matters are fine. But locally, on gas drilling, he is all but disengaged. He just seems to have no interest. He holds no meetings. He has championed no gas legislation. Is he for the landowners . . or is he for the gas companies? I sure worry about that one.

Matt used to attend our REC meetings. It was good to see him there, meeting with the people and listening to their concerns. But in recent years he has NOT shown up. I guess he just figures he can do anything he wants to do. He figures he owns his office; he takes it for granted. And I don't like a person who thinks like that. Next time, if he continues on like he is now, for the first time I just might not vote for Matt Baker.

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Marcy Reed, 03/12/10 7:48

The only thing missing from this editorial is the fact that Matt Baker is attentive to his constituents; he listens. I have communicated with him from time to time and with each instance have received an answer. One time he scribbled a personal note to me and on a different occasion he called me on the phone. Mr. Baker is a breath of fresh air and I would volunteer my time to see him re-elected.

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Joe Doherty, 03/12/10 7:20