Business owner: Barrel District’s Lisa Baker is the type of leader Glendale needs

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OPINION — As a 23-year resident of Glendale and 12-year owner of a building/business in the Barrel District, I strongly endorse Lisa Baker for the Glendale City Council.

Over the years, I’ve watched Lisa spend the time and effort necessary to understand how Glendale works — or doesn’t. We originally met on the Community Development Advisory Committee a decade ago. It was clear from the start that she took this work seriously — she read every document, asked every important question and made difficult decisions.  She was skilled in reaching consensus and in considering all input but reaching her own conclusion.

I’ve watched Lisa employ those same skills at the Glendale Chamber, where we sat on the board together and where she served businesses as the Interim-CEO. Lisa has also been heavily involved in the Bond Committee and other city programs. Her personality, integrity and diligence always lands her in a leadership position.

The Barrel District needs exactly the type of leader that Lisa Baker is, compassionate, curious, thorough, diligent and independent. For too long we’ve watched a City Council who could count on having four votes while silencing the Barrel District. With a new council, including Lisa, Glendale can achieve a council in which each member votes independently.

A candidate’s “experience” only matters if it is the right experience. Having experience in one aspect of another city’s public safety is not equivalent to having significant experience in Glendale’s inner workings.

Lisa can be trusted. In April 2026, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge found, in a ruling available online, that, “(c)lear and convincing evidence shows that Mr. Calles made a false statement on the petition sheets that were signed by electors on January 17 and 31, 2026.”  The Barrel District deserves a representative who will uphold the law, not violate it. 

Vote Lisa Baker.

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