My name is Bill Baker. I’m seeking Re-Election for Carter County District 2 Commissioner. I have served almost 8 years in this seat and still look forward to going to work every day!

I’ve been married to Kristin for 20 years and we have a 9-year-old son, Guy. We make our home in Healdton. We spend our weekends playing gospel music or at a rodeo, and sometimes both.

We attend church with our friends at Healdton Assembly of God and Crystal Rock Cathedral in Ardmore.

Why are you the best candidate for the job?

I brought experience both as an administrator and in staff management to the position the first time I ran for office. The county barn located in Healdton has 18 employees. Additionally, there are 11 more staff members who answer to the board of commissioners at the county buildings in Ardmore.

Previous to being Commissioner I had been the President of the Healdton Ministerial Alliance. Although it was civic, in that capacity I learned to work with other leaders for the common good of the community.

These are two very important factors in the day-to-day operations of the county.

Describe your background in county government?

I am the current Chairman for the Board of Commissioners. I have extensive experience in the budget process, purchasing procedures, the statewide contract system, state statutes, policy and policy reform, annual contracts, etc.

I have a good relationship with our state auditor’s office.

Additionally, there are 231 County Commissioners in the state of Oklahoma. I am one of only 16 who serve on the Association of County Commissioners (ACCO) Legislative Committee helping with new law each year as it pertains to County Government. I have served in this position for the last two years.

What is your greatest accomplishment in county government?

As far as county roads and bridges I feel like we have really focused on infrastructure for the future. Building roads in the more residential area that will be last many generations. In the more rural areas we have corrected drainage to help elevate road wash outs while improving road surfaces.

I led the charge to update our county employee handbook and policy to help Carter County be more competitive employer.

I also created the new employee safety program, so it is more specific to each office.

In 2023 I conceived and piloted a successful program for County Burn Ban Signs to help our Fire Departments better inform the public.

The end result was House Bill 3763 by Rep. Josh Cantrell and Sen. Jack Stewart. It passed both the House and Senate and was signed by Governor Stitt. It goes into effect November 1, 2024.

How do you plan to develop relationships with communities, Chickasaw Nation and the state to benefit your constituents?

I keep active inter local agreements with the cities in District 2. These are very crucial to ensuring all constituents reap the benefits of living in Carter County. The most common situation is cities need manpower and machinery that they simply can’t afford to complete a project. When this happens, we work with them. They supply the materials we supply the labor, tools and expertise to complete the task.

As for the Chickasaw Nation Carter County is blessed with District 1 Commissioner Joe David McReynolds. Joe is a tribal member and a great liaison with them for Carter County.

My seat on the ACCO Legislative Committee has helped me build relationships at the capitol. This is a great value on issues concerning our area.

I have successfully worked with ODOT on many large bridge projects through our Circuit Engineering District.

What do you hope to accomplish in your first 100 days in office?

At the county barn we have plans to potentially launch a second road building crew. This will result in being able to chip and seal more miles of road each year.

As the Legislature prepares to go into session I will resume my role on the ACCO Legislative Committee helping navigate what is good or not good for County Government.

We all know we will have a new County Clerk. Experienced Commissioners will need to be there to help them as they find their way in their new role. After all they are the secretary to the Board of Commissioners.

Lastly the administration buildings are in good shape. Upon the completion of the Courthouse Dome and a couple other projects I anticipate 2025 to see us slow down on building construction and in remodels.