Councilman Steve Baker’s vacant seat at Tuesday’s council meeting was symbolic of his impending permanent absence from both the council and Maricopa. Baker has accepted a position in Safford, Arizona, with family-owned Empire Southwest, the major Caterpillar dealer for the past 50 years in a territory including Arizona, southeastern California and parts of northern Mexico. He began his new job two weeks ago. Although Baker has announced his resignation to the council and mayor, he plans to participate in the city manager interview process next week. Baker has served on the City Council since it was formed in 2003 and on the Maricopa Water Improvement District. He and Councilman Kelly Haddad were responsible for the idea behind Maricopa’s annual parent-child fishing derby. Baker, his wife Lisa and their five children are active in the First Baptist Church of Maricopa. The older children participated in a local 4-H swine division and raised their own pigs. They were also on the Maricopa Barracuda swim team keeping the Baker family actively involved in home and away swim meets. It was Baker who purchased the new, buoyant lane markers for the team to use at Rotary pool. Lisa Baker has been active in the Friends of the Maricopa Library and has served on the Against Abuse, Inc.-- Maricopa Gala Committee since its inception. Baker’s council term expires next year along with those of Will Dunn, Kelly Haddad and Mayor Kelly Anderson. According to City Clerk Vanessa Bueras, the city’s code states, “The council shall fill by appointment for the unexpired term any vacancy that may occur for whatever reason.” “The community will miss Steve,” said Vice-Mayor Brent Murphree. “He is so dedicated to his family, and I know that this decision is based on what is best for them. He has been active in Maricopa for over 10 years, and his presence will be missed. I wish him the best.” Photo by Joyce Hollis |