Chip Baker, the longtime executive director of the Riverbend Festival and a former District 2 school board member and chairman, is seeking election to the Hamilton County Commission.
Baker is unopposed in the May 1 Republican primary and will face Democrat Elizabeth Baker, who is no relation, in the Aug. 2 county general election.
Baker said in a news release that over his 20 years as Riverbend director, the festival has grown to more than 400,000 spectators and provides a $29.6 million boost to the Hamilton County economy.
“Growing up in a small community, I was taught that actions speak louder than words,” Baker said in a news release. “That’s why I believe it is not enough to talk about economic development. We must work together to help push Hamilton County to greater heights.”
He has lived in the district for more than 20 years with his wife, Karlette, and four children. He served three terms on the Hamilton County Board of Education and was chairman from 2003-2006 before giving up his seat in 2012.