Frank Baker, a conservative voice on a left-leaning City Council, gained’t search re-election, opening up a District 3 seat he’s held for greater than a decade.
Representing a district that features most of Dorchester, and a portion of South Boston and the South End for six phrases “has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Baker stated, including that the choice to step down “did not come lightly.”
“After lengthy deliberation, I am confident and certain this is my time to depart the Council and serve in a different capacity,” Baker stated in a Thursday assertion. “The privilege and accountability of serving as a metropolis councilor requires my round the clock dedication.
“I cannot fulfill my obligation in any other way than 100% committed to the duty of this role. For an assortment of reasons, now is the right time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life, with my family.”
Though Baker didn’t elaborate on these causes, he’s been concerned in contentious exchanges together with his fellow councilors over the previous 12 months, and has been important of town’s mayor, Michelle Wu.
Baker was one in all 4 councilors to vote towards town’s redistricting map. He opposed modifications to his district and neighboring district 4, which moved a piece of southern Dorchester from D3 to D4. Advocates stated the modifications have been needed so as to add extra white voters to keep away from a scenario of “packing” Black voters, the Herald has reported.
In one heated redistricting listening to, Baker described the modifications as “an all-out assault on Catholic life in Boston. Fanning the flames of long-standing issues between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland, he said “the person leading the charge is a Protestant from Fermanagh,” referring to City Councilor Liz Breadon, who’s from Northern Ireland. He later apologized for the comment.
A federal decide is weighing whether or not to implement a preliminary injunction to cease implementation of the redistricting map the Council handed final fall. The City Council is a defendant within the case, however Baker contributed $10,000 from his marketing campaign fund to assist the lawsuit, the Boston Globe reported.
After decades-old sexual misconduct allegations have been unearthed towards City Council Vice President Ricardo Arroyo throughout his bid for Suffolk County District Attorney, Baker filed a “17F” formal council public data request — looking for documentation in regards to the investigations into Arroyo and his faculty disciplinary data, the Herald has reported.
Arroyo denies these allegations, and was by no means charged.
Baker, a Democrat and lifelong Dorchester resident was first elected in 2011, bringing what he described in a City Hall biography as a “strong, independent voice” to the City Council. Prior to this, he labored for the City of Boston Printing Department from 1987 to 2010.
Baker stated his Council tenure resulted in “an even more thriving and vibrant community” for his district. For instance, he stated, there have been “substantial advancements in the expansion of the housing market, along with growth and development of our business communities.”
“Soon, my family and I will spend some well-earned time together to reflect on the service completed, as we approach this meaningful milestone,” Baker stated. “My strong sense of faith, courage and passion for our great city of Boston will guide me, as I navigate this turning point.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”