Photo: City Councilor Frank Baker's Office
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston City Councilor Frank Baker says he's not running for reelection. Baker has held the District Three seat since being elected in 2011.
In a statement, the councilor said that he is "certain this is my time to depart the Council and serve in a different capacity." The Dorchester native didn't specify an exact reason, but said the next chapter of his life is to spend time with his family.
"Over the course of my time on the council, District Three has transformed into an even more vibrant and thriving Community. We have cultivated long-term working relationships leading to significant investments in our District," he said. "I am exceptionally grateful, as well as proud to have actively engaged in the hard and humble work that comes with being an elected official," Baker continued.
Baker is known as one of the more conservative members of Boston City Council. He's currently the chair of the Jobs, Wages and Workforce Development Committee, which looks at making wages fairer in the city and developing its economy.
In his time on the council, Baker has also courted some controversy from more progressive members. Amid the city's redistricting fight last fall, the councilor remarked on redistricting chair Councilor Liz Breadon being a protestant in a city with a large Irish Catholic population. He apologized the same day.
The race for the District 3 seat is now wide open, according to the Dorchester Reporter. The general election is on November 7.
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