posted July 24, 2008
I first met Chip Baker over 10 years ago while I was managing a retail store in the Hixson area. At the time Chip was still an administrator with Erlanger Hospital. He came into the store one day and I helped him with his purchase. About two weeks after he came into the store my daughter, who was only about three or four months old, became very ill and her pediatrician sent her immediately to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger for tests.
As we waited for our turn at the registration window I noticed Chip was in the lobby waiting for SEC basketball coaches to arrive so that they could go visit with the children that were patients at T.C Thompson. Again, I had only met him once and I really didn't even know his name. Anyway, as we waited in line, Chip saw us and came over to say hello and check on us. He then told us that if we needed anything at all to have him paged and he would be right down to take care of us.
What impressed me so much about Chip that day was that he was willing to leave VIP SEC basketball coaches to come and help out someone that he barely knew.
My wife and I and our two daughters moved to Signal Mountain in 2002. Over the last six years we have gotten to know Chip Baker very well. I can say that my first impression of him 10 years ago was right on. He is a very genuine and down to earth person. He gives a lot of himself to Hamilton County.
Chip is very knowledgeable about Hamilton County Schools and takes a hands on approach to being a county school board member. Whenever my wife and I have any questions regarding the school system, Chip has always been available to help in any way he could.
I am also firmly convinced that without his leadership the much needed Signal Mountain Middle and High School would never have been built. Chip has the experience to handle the county politics to make sure that schools get the funding that they deserve.
Please join me in re-electing Chip Baker for the District 2 Hamilton County School Board representative.
Robert Wright
Signal Mountain
* * *
After reading Robert Wright's letter about Chip Baker, I almost had as many tears in my eyes as I did the one from Ms. Gerhard a few weeks ago. Mr Wright, you only got help from Chip because he was there in the hospital where you could "find him". I called him at least 10 times, every time leaving a voice mail and phone number, over a year and a half ago, and I have yet to speak with him. Maybe when he gets defeated, he can go back to Erlanger and help folks, since he'll be so easy to find.
Ms Gerhard spoke of all the time he devotes on Signal Mountain helping folks. I'd challenge her to prove that, if it means returning a phone call. I guess if you frequent the Country Club, the Riverbend Festival, an occasional appearance at his church, or somewhere you can "find him", maybe he will devote some time to you. But don't call him and expect a return call if you live on the "working class" side of the mountain.
I think Mr. Wright and Ms. Gerhard need to join the thousands of others of us in District 2 who have had enough of his ego, to vote for Joe Dumas, and give Don Calvin "Chip" Baker the rest you think he deserves.
My child and his needs are just as important as anyone else's. Actually, his are more important because he's mine. It's time someone represented us like we 'all' deserve, regardless of where we live, and knows how to return a phone call.. Un-elect Chip and elect Joe Dumas to the school board.
Arlos Dempsey
Signal Mountain
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If you like taxation without representation, vote for Chip Baker. In the eight years Chip Baker has been on the school board, the cost of
education in Hamilton County has gone up without test scores going up.
Sixty percent of our property taxes go to education. This is a huge percentage. Our property tax system is inequitable. A more expensive house in the county pays less property tax, than a smaller house in the city due to the city residents paying double taxes. Are you willing to trust your property taxes to another term with Chip on the school board? Every penny of the school budget should be out in the open for all citizens to see. Currently it is not. Deals are worked out behind closed doors and not disclosed until it is time to vote.
Sure some people on Signal Mountain support Chip, they are getting a
semi-private school. Their property values are going up, while the
rest of the county is going down. I support community schools, but
not just in Chip's neighborhood.
Everyone should attend at least one of the school board candidates debates to see for themselves Chip Baker's arrogance. With so much corruption in our local government, our students need someone to set a good example.
It is time for change. Vote for Dr. Joe Dumas.
Chuck Davis
cheesyii@aol.com
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