October 10, 2008

TimesElection 2008

Jason Baker takes candidacy very seriously

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

With less than a month before the November ballot, City Council candidate Jason Baker is busy walking precincts and meeting voters.

“If I’m elected I’ll be the only lawyer on the council because Joe Hernandez is stepping down,” said Baker, 36. “Sometimes people are skeptical of lawyers but it’s not a bad thing to have someone with legal training on a body that is creating and interpreting laws.”

Jason Baker with son Eamonn at a recent Music in the Park concert. Photo courtesy Jason Baker

Baker is a current commissioner and former chair of the Campbell Civic Improvement Commission which advises the City Council on library concerns, history, social services, youth and senior issues which he will continue to support if elected. He also worked on the committee to support Measure A and B, two bond measures to help support local libraries and as an appointee of the Library Needs Assessment Committee. He volunteered at the Boogie on the Bayou, Oktoberfest and the Carol of Lights, and he helps raise funds for a variety of Campbell Rotary programs to benefit local schools and other organizations.

But Baker’s interest in community started long before his move to Campbell four years ago. He received a B.A. in political science from the University of California, Davis where he was a firefighter with the National Forest Service during the summers. He then received a law degree from Santa Clara University. He is an attorney who started his career at a law firm that represented shareholders in securities fraud lawsuits against Enron, WorldCom and Tyco. His current practice focuses on representing plaintiffs in the areas of consumer law, toxic torts and personal injury. When he married his wife, Mairead, five years ago they decided that Campbell was the place they wanted to raise a family. Their son, Eamonn Timothy was born June 30.

“As a new father, I want to raise my son in a city that has the same sense of community we enjoy today,” said Baker. “Campbell must keep its small-town feel. A first-class library, balanced growth, traffic calming, and historic preservation are key. I’m a candidate who will take this position very seriously.”

Baker praises the City Council’s foresight to set aside the “rainy day” fund that is being used now but recognizes the present budget crisis and supports Measure O that will be on the ballot in November. Baker is endorsed by Assemblyman Jim Beall, and Supervisor Ken Yeager among others.

For more information visit www.jasonbakernow.com.