Web Page Update

Please go to our campaign website at:

www.JoinClark.com

Biography

Born in Pacoima, California, and raised in Reseda, Clark Baker joined the US Marine Corps in 1975 and served more than three years in the Far East and diplomatic missions in India and Central America. He received an honorable discharge in 1981.

After completing his training as an airplane pilot and helicopter flight instructor, Clark entered the Los Angeles Police Academy in 1980 and served as Class DI (leader).

During the next twenty years, Clark served LA residents from San Pedro to Pacoima and Oakwood to Downtown in assignments that included patrol, vice, narcotics, motors, and air support. He trained police officers and walked beats through stressed neighborhoods and low-income projects where he earned more than eighty commendations and awards from the LAPD, residents as well as local, state, and federal officials.

Since retiring in 2000, Clark has worked as a private investigator, writer, film producer, and even as a scuba divemaster in the Andaman Sea. He sings tenor and has performed with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. He also serves as a board member for the Laurel Canyon Association and Bel Air – Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council. He actively supports the efforts of the Liberty Film Festival, reformed LA gang members, and community activist
Ted Hayes’ work at LA’s Dome Village with the homeless.

Although I have enjoyed my retirement with friends and family, I’m troubled by politicians that order union leaders to shake down their struggling workers for dues and votes. I want to empower families so they can decide how to vote and where to spend their income. I want to give vouchers to parents so they can choose the public or private school of their choice. My plan to cut health care costs will provide better care to more families. With your help, I will continue my lifelong commitment to public service and civil rights.

It’s time that a veteran street cop challenges pot-hole politicians and trial lawyers who enrich themselves by abusing our courts, wasting tax revenues, extorting businesses, degrading medical care, and failing our school children. With your vote, LA residents finally have the power to stop the pot-hole politicians.

Clark resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Carol. His daughter Vanessa (23) teaches high school math in New York City while completing her fellowship at Pace University. Clark’s son, Cliff (18), left college to join the Marine Corps and currently serves at Naval Air Station, Pensacola.

About Clark Baker

CLARK BAKER
Candidate for Assembly
42nd District

Born on August 26, 1957 in Pacoima, California
Moved to Reseda in 1960
Graduate, Reseda High School ‘75
1975-1981 - United States Marine Corps
1976-1977 - Weapons, E 2/9, 3rd Marine Division
1977-1978 - US Consulate General, Calcutta, India
1978-1979 - American Embassy, San Salvador, El Salvador
1979-1981 - Marine Corps Reserve H & S 2/23
1979-1980 - Completed fixed wing and commercial helicopter training
1980-2000 - Los Angeles Police Department (70-plus Department and City commendations & awards)
1997-2005 - Private Investigator

Clark & Carol reside in Los Angeles. Children are Vanessa (23), who teaches high school math and is completing an education fellowship at Pace University (NYC). Cliff (18) is a United States Marine.

Board Member, Save the LA County Seal Committee
Board Member of the Laurel Canyon Association
Member, Legion Post 193 (Van Nuys)
Member, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles
PADI Qualified Scuba Divemaster

A Change of Plans

There are times in our lives when we’re going in one way and life suddenly takes a new direction. Such a time has come for me this week.

Before I left Newcastle Elementary School, I knew that I would build a career of public service as an LAPD officer. Like everyone, I’ve had ups and downs, but my perseverance has rewarded me with a lifetime of dreams fulfilled.

Since retiring from the LAPD in 2000, I have enjoyed travel, time with my family and friends, and the peace that comes with knowing that I’ve done good things for my neighbors and community. I’ve also enjoyed writing and sharing what has been in my heart for so many years.

Last week, a friend asked me to represent California’s 42nd Assembly District. Assembly Member Paul Koretz has held the post since 2000 and his term ends this year. As a Marine Corps sergeant and LA cop, I’ve never run from duty and I’m not about to start now. After discussing the idea with my family and friends, I’ve decided to accept the challenge. I signed the papers last night and am now the Republican candidate for the 42nd Assembly District of California.

I have never aspired to be a politician. I have enjoyed a retirement of reading, writing, and family punctuated by work as a private investigator and scuba divemaster in the Andaman Sea. I’d much rather ride my motorcycle around this great country with Carol than chase campaign contributions or make speeches. At the same time, I believe that much can be done to improve the lives of all Californians. Democracy is only as good as the people who make it work.

Regardless of any philosophical differences we may have, you will always know where I stand on any given issue. I won’t compromise myself for campaign funding or votes. What you see is what you get.

As one who worked on the streets of LA, I’ve lived where the political rubber meets the constituent road: A place where politicians do bad things by pretending to oppose them, and block good things by pretending to support them. Serving LA residents from San Pedro to Chatsworth and Oakwood to Downtown has always been easier than dealing with the mess left by reckless politicians. And after decades of Democratic leadership in Los Angeles, it’s hard to imagine anyone wanting more of the same.

I have nothing to hide politically. Many of my philosophies are on this blog and, although you might argue on some points, you will see that I’m honest about who I am and what I think – something I’ve rarely found among political candidates. I’m not ambitious. If you vote for me you won’t have any problem figuring out who I am or what I stand for. My door will always be open as will be my heart and ear.

In the coming weeks I will post where I stand on various issues. If you don’t see an issue that concerns you or have questions, please feel free to email me at:

Vote4CW(AT)sbcglobal.net