Corry Mayor Michael Baker Issues Statement on Re-election and Clarifies Position

In a statement delivered to UCToday.org, Corry mayor Michael Baker announced his intentions to run for re-election in the upcoming Municipal Primary Election on May 20. The release is reprinted in its entirety at the end of this article.

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Baker said, if re-elected, he will focus his efforts on cutting wasteful spending and addressing infrastructure problems such as the city sewer upgrades and improving city streets. He also states he will aim to avoid special interest distractions supported by his opponent in the primary, Councilman Jeff Fike, who he claims backed the “failed socialist policies of Biden and Harris.”

Also announcing their candidacies recently for City Council are former Councilman Bill Roche and Impact Corry Executive Director Chuck Gray. The candidates have been seeking signatures to obtain a spot on the primary ballot. March 11th is the last day to circulate and file nomination petitions.

From Corry Mayor Michael Baker:

I would like to announce my candidacy for re-election for mayor. I believe we must work together and solve big problems first and not be distracted by special interest projects backed by elites that will cost Corry residents more money in the long run. Extra services that are added to a cash-strained city will increase your taxes over time and we must look at every way to save money and keep it out of the hands my opponent and his court of elites that backed the failed socialist policies of Biden and Harris. Corry cannot afford failed and weak decision making.

Fiscal Responsibility
Just like the national level I will appoint a special team made up of employees, council members, residents and myself to see what we are spending and what we are spending it on. It’s time to go back to square one and cut spending. It is time for the taxpayers to be back in charge. Constant distractions from the elite special interest groups have kept us away from looking into the local waste of your hard-earned tax dollars. I will start this immediately and would love any resident to join the team. Let’s make a pledge to stop wasting your tax dollars.

Sewer plant
Notice how none of the other candidates addressed the $40 million dollar sewer problem? That’s because Mr. Roche ignored it for his 6 plus years as councilman, Mr. Fike doesn’t think it is a big deal and avoids it and has no plan and Ms. Gray is running to enhance non-profits and let her elite board make decisions with your tax dollars that do not solve problems. I have been able to work around Mr. Fike ignoring the problem and with the help of my partners on council we made great strides in reducing surface storm water. More needs to be done and I will keep making progress and this problem a priority.

Housing Stock
We need to address the housing crisis to help our existing businesses attract talent and keep good employees who want to stay and raise families of future leaders. We have created a working network with the County Government and local authorities to bring in thousands of dollars to Corry has never received through Whole Homes, County partnerships of almost $750,000 in grants and money to be used for local matches. Part of an economic development team is to bring developers into Corry to finally address senior and mid-professional housing needs. My team assisted the Corry RDA with their new home project that will be breaking new ground this spring on four new homes. Working together with area partners is how things get done.

Streets Department
The streets department under Mr. Fike’s direction is lost. I will appoint a new council member that cares about the quality of our roads. I am not happy with how he has directed the department. They have many fine employees and need direction and support and not use them as political pawns against me. It’s time to get them what they need and help them get you the quality of streets you deserve. Mr. Roche has written many articles in support of these failed Biden/Harris socialist policies and now this coalition of Mr. Fike and his socialist friends want to make your city less safe and cost you more money. Trail and Fiber
It is clear Ms. Gray, Mr. Roche and Mr. Fike do not have the ability to follow through or create reasonable plans. She was not very truthful with the residents on the trail issue, and they fought back. When you look at what they were really trying to do which was to invade on residents’ property. I can honestly say I have never witnessed an elected official wearing a shirt promoting a group that was against safety. As mayor, my opponent would oversee the police department and if he was willing to turn his back on children’s safety who else would he turn his back on.
As far as fiber we did what they wanted which was give it back and have the documentation to support that’s what they wanted. They have had years to get this done and have failed. What people do not understand is Corry has fiber, and the county is part of a 10-county plan to make internet more affordable and reach parts of the school district that are not served. Why waste money on a service that can and will be completed well before they get started. The current governor has made this a focus, and the state has dedicated funds to make this happen.
Guess who would have been on the hook when they ran out of money? The taxpayers. I wasn’t going to let that happen.

Closing
Unlike my primary opponent, I am a proud 45-year city resident that has built a successful business and has created jobs for residents that I am honored to serve.
We have an aging population and my goal as one of you is to give the police department every tool they need to protect you. I will not turn my back on any of you.
I vow to never put the tax paying resident’s safety behind deep pocket special interest groups. The fact that my primary opponent chose not to listen to mothers fearing for children’s safety from drugs and seedy people peeking into yards and homes was appalling and unethical. My time as mayor has taught me that we need to come together on issues that affect your pocketbook. I vow not to get distracted by them again because Corry doesn’t need shiny new toys when we have far too many problems to address first. I love Corry and I want to make sure it’s here for our grandchildren and I vow to fight for you every day. The voters are the voice of Corry and not elite rich people running the non-profits so they can bypass your voice. I am like you and the elites do not like it.

I proudly ask for your support and vote, until then I will fight for you everyday.