Candidate Guide - Franklin Township Trustee - Garrett Baker

As you prepare to vote in this year's municipal elections, the Western Star compiled answers from candidates. Here are the responses as provided. All typos and grammar mistakes, if any, are in the original responses.

Headshot provided by candidate

Education: I obtained my Law Degree from NKU: Salmon P. Chase College of Law, where I was elected Executive Editor of Law Review. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Finance & Accounting from the University of Cincinnati.

Current employment: Chief Assistant Prosecutor of the Economic Crime Division, Butler County Prosecutor’s Office. I have been an Assistant Prosecutor for over 15 years.

Office Sought: Franklin Township Trustee

Why are you the best suited for this position? (150 words)

I am best suited for this position because I am competent, reliable, and I possess good decision-making skills. I have a background that other candidates do not possess. I’ve worked as an Assistant Prosecutor for over a decade and have demonstrated my aptitude as an Assistant Prosecutor throughout my career. I have a track record of success and enjoy serving the public. If elected, I will be a champion for Franklin Township. My family built our home here, and my future remains in Franklin Township. I will ensure to the best of my abilities that Franklin Township can flourish. Our township faces challenges ahead, such as being subject to aggressive annexation from neighboring communities, and ensuring that our residents are safe and secure. Given my background and skill set, I can help navigate these challenges.

What are your top three areas of focus for your position?

My top three areas of focus are 1) Safety and Security, 2) Fiscal Responsibility, and 3) Transparency.

What specifically are you going to do for each of your top three topics? (200 words)

1) Safety and Security: I plan to support the Fire Department. The Fire Department has aging equipment and manpower issues. Money has been used on frivolous things when the focus should have been on supporting the Fire Department. Also, we have some dangerous intersections in the township, where multiple collisions occur. As a candidate, I have already reached out to ODOT regarding the Robinson Vail/US RT 123 Intersection.

2) Fiscal Responsibility: We need to stop wasteful spending. For example, for the past 5 years, the Franklin Township Trustees gave the City of Franklin at least $25,000 a year to operate a dilapidated pool, which was eventually shut down. In November 2024, right before the pool was shut down, Franklin Township gave the City of Franklin $35,000, which is $5,000 more than they seemingly should have based on their contract. The township’s priorities need to be re-focused.

3) Increase Transparency: Our township needs to communicate better with residents and make them aware of significant things occurring in Franklin Township. Also, the meeting minutes need to be updated on the website promptly, which they are not.

If you are an incumbent, what is your best accomplishment?

If you are a challenger, what do you think needs to change from the current situation?

NOTE: He is a challenger.

I think there needs to be a realignment on things that are important. Franklin Township Trustees need to focus on what the residents want and expect, such as an up to date, responsive Fire Department, and safe roads that aren't riddled with patch jobs and potholes.

What are your qualifications for this position? (150 words)

I have been a resident of Franklin Township for over five years. My background and experience with government, along with my acumen and drive puts me in a unique position help our township and its residents. I served on the Franklin Township Comprehensive Plan Committee, so I am well aware of the challenges, which our community faces.

Property tax is one of the top issues for local residents. What are your thoughts on the current property tax issues? (150 words)

In Ohio, townships collect less than 6% of local property taxes. The majority of the property tax revenue goes to the local school districts. That said, I think this issue really needs to be fixed by the legislature. There are a number of options suggested by folks outside the legislature that have some merit. The current situation is untenable and presents an opportunity for the legislature to step up, prove they can serve the public, and prevent these massive increases from happening.

State laws often impact our county and the funding of local project depends on the state budget. What is your relationship with the local state representatives and senator? (100 words)

I am not affiliated with the local state representatives or senator in our area, but I look forward to working with them to ensure our community thrives.

How have you been involved in the community outside of politics?

I was a member of the Franklin Township Comprehensive Plan Committee. I currently serve and have served for years on Springboro School District's Safety and Security Committee. I am an Assistant Prosecutor for Butler County Prosecutor's Office, but I have prosecuted individuals whose continuous course of criminal conduct extended into Warren County, Ohio.

Are you running as a slate or as a team with any of the other candidates? (Not required)

Candidate is not running as a slate or as a team.

Is there anything else you want the voters to know about you?

My family and I have planted roots in this community, and we plan to be here for the long hall. Voters should know that I am committed to seeing Franklin Township thrive. I believe voters deserve a trustee who will stand up for their community, and I will. My ability to succeed has come down to my experience, perseverance, my ability to work well with others, and my love for analyzing and solving complex problems. If elected, I would be an asset to Franklin Township and bring a skill set that is lacking under the current makeup of the trustees. I have hope for our community to grow and be able to provide our residents with the government they deserve. If you want your community to thrive and your tax dollars used wisely, vote for me. Vote Baker!