Government
What We Do
The City Council is composed of 12 members. Out of these, 8 are elected to represent their respective districts, while the remaining 4 are elected at-large to represent the entire city. Council members serve a 4-year elected term and work closely with the City Mayor, in part by appointing one of their 12 peers to the position of Vice Mayor, an office with a term of 2 years. The City Council holds an open forum that can be viewed by the public. They also host open meetings and livestream sessions dedicated to agenda setting. The City Council is also responsible for coordinating events with various departments and local businesses. Each council member brings a unique background and skillset to the City Council. Find your district member or read about other council members below.

Mayor
Sara Johnson
Mayor Sara Johnson has dedicated her career to serving Baker Springs. With a background in urban planning, she brings a vision for sustainable growth and community development. Her passion for a greener and more inclusive city is evident in her work, aiming to create a place where all residents can thrive.
City Council Members

Vice Mayor
John Martinez
Vice Mayor John Martinez is a seasoned advocate for public safety and community well-being. With a law enforcement background, he’s committed to making the city a secure and welcoming place. After earning his Master of Science in Emergency Management in 1995, Martinez went on to both become EMS certified and undergo formal police academy law training. Prior to being on the city council, Martinez served on the city’s police force for nearly a decade. He’s passionate about forging connections between the city and its diverse neighborhoods and works closely with public law enforcement to make sure that the city provides a welcoming and safe environment.

Councilmember
Emily Clark
Councilmember Emily Clark is an environmental scientist with a strong focus on sustainable urban planning. Her dedication to preserving our city’s natural beauty and creating eco-friendly initiatives is at the heart of her service on the council. After getting her bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Tennessee, Clark went on to pursue her Ph.D. in environmental science.
She later helped to draft various environmental acts at the state and federal level, working hand-in-hand with lawmakers at all levels of government.
Now, Clark works with local agencies such as the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Outdoors to make sure that the city’s natural wonders are protected so that they can be enjoyed by all for decades to come.

Councilmember
David Wilson
David Wilson, a local small business owner, brings a wealth of economic knowledge to the council. He’s passionate about supporting local enterprises and fostering a thriving business environment in Baker Springs.
Wilson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1985 and has since run a small coffee shop and bakery for over 25 years. Wilson now works on the city council to try to promote the growth of business within the city.

Councilmember
Susan Rodriguez
Susan Rodriguez, a retired teacher, is committed to educational excellence and community engagement. Rodgriguez got her master’s degree in education in 1981 and taught in public schools for nearly 40 years. She advocates for youth programs, cultural enrichment, and ensuring that the city’s students have the resources they need to succeed.
Most recently, Rodriguez has led the charge on the city council to enact an outreach program targeting underprivileged children from low-income families in the city’s public schools to provide them with better educational tools, opportunities, and meal plans.

Councilmember
Michael Nguyen
Michael Nguyen is an architect by profession and an advocate for sustainable city planning. Nguyen earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture in 2005 and has since become NCARB certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He works diligently to ensure that the city remains a place of aesthetic charm, well-designed infrastructure, and a sense of place that residents can be proud of.
Nguyen has been responsible for multiple projects aimed at renovating the city’s downtown area, making it more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. Nguyen also provides special consultation services to businesses looking to establish themselves in the city as potential tourist destinations.

Councilmember
Lisa Turner
Lisa Turner is a healthcare professional who champions health and well-being in the city. She’s focused on making sure our city’s residents have access to quality healthcare services and promoting an active lifestyle.
Turner completed her doctoral degree in 1999 and has been a licensed physician operating in the city for the last 21 years. Turner’s special focuses include disease prevention and diet and exercise. She works closely with the city council to make sure that the city’s residents have access to a multitude of useful healthcare services and resources, including the development of a website that will act as a nexus for residents who are interested in knowing more about health and services that the city provides.

Councilmember
Robert White
Robert White, a retired firefighter, is dedicated to public safety and emergency preparedness. His experience in crisis management ensures that the city is well-equipped to respond to any situation.
One of his goals for the city is to have a strongly integrated team of responders in the case of any emergency. As such, he has gone to great lengths to facilitate better communication between local law enforcement and local firefighters.

Councilmember
Olivia Baker
Olivia Baker, a social worker, is passionate about community engagement and social equity. Baker received her MSW in 1999 and went on to become a licensed clinical social worker. Since then, she has worked in many different counseling and therapeutic roles, with a strong focus on pediatrics and mental health. Baker is committed to making Baker Springs a place where everyone has a voice and an opportunity to thrive.
One of her largest objectives is to establish a more cohesive set of mental health services in the city that will give residents convenient and round-the-clock access to a multitude of therapeutic services. As such, she often works in close proximity to the many health professionals operating locally out of Baker Springs.

Councilmember
James Lee
James Lee, a retired engineer, is devoted to infrastructure development and city planning. His goal is to ensure that the city continues to evolve into a modern and well-connected community.
Lee received his Ph.D. in engineering in 1971 and conducted a wide range of research in the field for over thirty years. He later taught an engineering course at Baker Springs Community College for over a decade before retiring and being elected to the city council, where he aspires to make innovation a key value in the city.

Councilmember
Karen Adams
Karen Adams, an artist and cultural enthusiast, is a driving force behind the city’s vibrant arts scene. She’s committed to celebrating cultural diversity, fostering artistic expression, and preserving our city’s rich history.
Adams also holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. She works closely with the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Outdoors and the Center for Culture and Music to make sure that the city hosts a wide variety of arts and cultural-related events for residents to enjoy.

Councilmember
Thomas Brown
Thomas Brown, a retired banker, brings his financial expertise to the council. He focuses on budgetary responsibility and resource allocation, making sure the city’s financial health remains robust.
Brown received his master’s degree in public administration in 2003. Prior to being on the city council, he managed the People’s Bank of Baker Springs for 10 years.

Councilmember
Amelia Kent
Amelia Kent, a dedicated member of the city council, brings a wealth of experience in environmental science and urban planning to her role. With a passion for preserving the city’s natural beauty, she’s committed to implementing eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable growth practices.
Kent received her master’s in urban and regional planning in 1995 and holds AICP certification. One of her largest ongoing goals for the city is to foster both strong growth and a culture of environmental stewardship through green building design and public awareness campaigns.

