Baker needs job, but he worked for Democrat

My friend needs a job.

As most of you know, I don't have many friends. It comes with the territory. One day they're your friend and the next day they're column fodder.

And so it's important to take care of the few friends I do have, which is why I'm helping Tom Baker find a job.

It's also important that your friends are employed. Otherwise they start to mooch, which often strains friendships.

Had he thought about it for a minute, Baker probably would have opted for someone else to represent him in his new career search. After all, any friend of mine is ... well ... column fodder.

For the past dozen years, Baker has been Northern Nevada's key link to U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan. He was one of Bryan's first hires.

At the time, Baker was managing a local supermarket, which illustrates his flexibility. One minute he was stacking fruit and the next he was talking to nuts. That's a real plus for anyone looking for a flexible employee.

Unfortunately, the senator will be ending his 30-plus-year public service career and Baker will be out of a job at 5 p.m. on Jan. 2.

"That's when we turn the lights out," he said from his Carson City office. "Our lease is up and we're out of here."

Baker has been with Bryan since Bryan was sworn in as one of two Nevada U.S. senators 12 years ago. Bryan chose not to seek re-election this year and will be replaced by Republican John Ensign, who beat challenger Edward M. Bernstein even without a recount.

"I have spoken with one of Ensign's staff members about what we had done for Bryan here and they are deciding what to do in Carson City," said Baker. "I'm pretty sure they will have an office in Carson City."

Baker isn't sure, however, where his next office will be.

"I enjoy solving problems," he told me. "I would love to continue to do that in some capacity. I am especially interested in economic development."

A problem solver with a knack for making money. What more can you ask for?

"I like to be able to call people and tell them we've solved their problem," the 23-year Carson City resident said. "One of the best was the six-month effort to get a veteran named Joe Lammey a liver transplant. We worked a long time on that one."

Another highlight came in 1996 when the Russians jailed former Carson City resident Richard Bliss. "I'll never forget the day his mother (Judy Bradley) called to say he'd been arrested," remembered Baker. "The senator (Bryan) got involved right away. I was a mouse in the corner when the senator was on the phone to top officials, including Al Gore. All negotiations with the Russians came to a stop pending his release. He got home for Christmas and that was the best call I ever made."

Another interesting period of activity came during the floods of 1997.

Somewhere at the bottom of Baker's resume is his military career. He was an Army lieutenant who served in the First Battalion, First Infantry in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. As a matter of fact, he served with fellow Carson City resident Ray Frederick, who was a heavily-targeted radio operator. Baker is a member of Chapter 388 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He is also a member of the Veterans of Foreign War and the Disabled American Veterans groups.

So Baker is flexible, economical and courageous, three traits you just don't see much of in employees these days.

He's also well connected, having cultivated many friends in high (and low) places during his 23 years in Carson City. He is past president of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce (he even represented Carson City on the Johnny Carson Show in 1982 or so and was the chamber's Man of The Year one year), a member of the Kiwanis Club, a member of the Carson Access Television board and other bodies too numerous to name here.

He's even a favorite among the older generation, having emceed the Senior Follies show for several years. I was popular at the Senior Center until I jumped in the middle of a food fight there. Now even they don't like me, which is all the more reason to take care of Baker.

I'm certain there are some folks who don't like Baker. After all, he did work for a Democrat. Fortunately, he has a wonderful wife named Chris and even Republicans like her. "We've been married 33 years," said Tom.

Unemployment, though, has a way of testing relationships. Even 33-year relationships. Chris is bound to get tired of seeing Tom sit on the couch all day watching soaps while she is out teaching at Carson Middle School. I tried that once and it lasted a day.

So please. Help me help Tom. If you won't do it for me, do it for Tom. If you won't do it for me or for Tom, do it for Chris.

Jeff Ackerman is publisher and editor of the Nevada Appeal.