Former Glendale councilmember wary of Baker endorsees’ agenda

Joyce Clark

Submitted photo/Joyce Clark

OPINION — This is the political season for candidate endorsements, a tsunami of endorsements. Lately many have surfaced for Lisa Baker, candidate for the Glendale Barrel District council seat.

I noted one was from former Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs. Isn’t this the person who left Glendale on the verge of bankruptcy? This is a big part of Scruggs’ legacy and maybe not such a good endorsement for Lisa Baker.

Nearly all of Baker’s endorsements have come from what I describe as the “disgruntled downtown Glendale crowd.” I believe they are supporting Baker because they expect her to advocate for their agenda for downtown rather than the interests of people in the Barrel District.

You will note that almost all of Baker’s endorsements use the same phrase, that she is well-prepared. I doubt it. This isn’t possible.

Newbie councilmembers have a lot to learn. Bright ones figure out the job in six months; others take a year or better. Think about your first day at the job. There was a lot to learn, and you didn’t learn it overnight.

Baker is a full-time business owner. I have seen other councilmembers close their businesses because of the demands of what has now become a full-time job as a councilmember. One or the other job is likely to suffer because of conflicting demands on one’s time. I am concerned it might be the one that matters most.

Be aware that endorsees of a candidate often have their own political agenda and it may not be yours.

Joyce Clark served on the Glendale City Council from 1992 to 1996, 2000 to 2012 and 2016 to 2024. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.