Meet Mike Baker

My wife Debby and I have lived on Reed Road in Richmond since 1992. We first came because it was a convenient location between where I worked in Canandaigua and where my wife was finishing her degree in Geneseo. We stayed for 33 years because we love the small town atmosphere, the sense of community and the natural beauty of the lake and hills. 

Our three children, Jacob, Molly and Hannah graduated from Honeoye Central School. They were active in sports (Honeoye Jr. Baseball and soccer) and members of the Ontario County 4-H livestock program raising sheep and showing at the local and New York State Fairs. 

I began my career as a county agent at West Virginia University. We moved to Cortland County in 1989 where I worked for Cornell University first with Cooperative Extension and then at the Cornell Department of Animal Science.

During my career, I worked closely with local, state, and federal governments to build research and education programs. I wrote and was awarded several grants to support these endeavors. I honed my abilities to manage budgets and work across departments as well as worked alongside dedicated volunteers to bring agricultural best practice to communities around New York State. I plan to bring these skills to the role of Supervisor for the Town of Richmond.

My involvement in the Town includes : 

• Member of the Town of Richmond Planning Board. Appointed in 2018 representing Agriculture. During this time, we have streamlined the application process for potential businesses to develop and grow. Specifically, I was part of the decision making and development of the Dollar General Store which, I think we can all agree, has added to the value of our town.

• Earth Care Committee member since its inception in 2021. Earth Care is a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the sustainability of the Honeoye Lake and surrounding communities. Initiatives have included installing a bike rack at Honeoye UCC, denim recycling, community solar, HVA roadside cleanup breakfast and the development of the Honeoye Community Garden.

• Climate Smart Community Task Force. Member for two years. Climate Smart Communities is a New York State program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. The program offers grants, rebates for electric vehicles, and free technical assistance. Tasks completed include upgrading Town facilities and streetlights to LED, completing an energy audit of Town facilities, Energy Code Enforcement training, and an inventory of energy efficiency of the Town fleet.

• Member and current moderator at Honeoye United Church of Christ. I am also a part-time video streaming operator.

I retired in 2021 and enjoy wood working, fishing and being a grandfather of 5 grandchildren. I also have a small herd of beef cattle.