Roz Baker

Party: Democratic

Age: 63

Job: State Senator, 5th District, South and West Maui.

Born in El Campo, Texas. In Hawaii since 1980, arrived from Washington, DC

Lives: Lahaina

Contact: 808 667-2225, roz@rozbaker.com

Web site: www.rozbaker.com

Job history past 10 years:
St. Senator, 2002 - present; St. Legislator 1988-98; Econ. Dev. Coordinator, Co. of Maui, 1999 - 2002; Maui retail business owner 1980-87; Advocate, Natl Education Assn, Washington, D.C., 1969-80.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
1986 -- St. Rep, lost by 6 votes; 1988-98 elected to St. Legislature; lost re-nomination in 1998 primary; 2002, 2004 elected to St. Senate.

Other civic experience or community service:
Am Cancer Soc Hi director & volunteer ldr; MEDB dir. Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise, past pres.; Soroptimist Intl W Maui; WMaui DV TForce, Women Helping Women; co-chr So Maui Children & Youth Day.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Mahalo to the good folks in the 5th district for the honor & privilege of representing our commnity in the Senate. Together we have made a difference for Maui!

1) Why are you running for office?
To continue fighting for schools, health care & road improvements; resource protection and economic initiatives to "grow" more living wage jobs for my district. My proven legislative ability, problem-solving & leadership to address Maui needs are even more valuable in these tough economic times. I see what still needs to be done & I want to continue to be a strong voice for South & West Maui.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
Health and human services, including support for our safety net community health centers and hospitals on neighbor islands; public lower and higher education; environmental and resource protection. We need to grow our economy and support spending that foster retraining, job growth and sustainability. We need to invest in our infrastructure and improve energy efficiency throughout state government.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Continue support for HI clean energy initiatives, encourage locally grown bio-diesel & wind, wave, photovoltaic & solar power solutions; improve electric grid to accept more energy from renewables; promote use of public transit & preserve corridors for future use; enable use of all electric cars; explore telecommuting & 4 day work weeks; support policies to encourage walkable, livable communities.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
Recruit, retain highly qualified teachers & principals for every school & classroom; provide students, pre-K thru High School, with tools & learning environment to reach full potential. Invest in early childhood education; adjust weighted student formula for high risk students & schools; ensure funding adequacy for charter students. Encourage community involvement and support in public schools.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
Continue to demand appropriate reimbursement for hosp services from government & private insurance payors. Enable public private partnerships for HHSC hospitals. Encourage adoption of electronic health records to reduce medical errors. Explore establishment of medical enterprise zones to attract personnel to rural areas; expand training opportunities here for healthcare occupations needed.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
The economy. Ensure needed public works projects are authorized, funded, expedited to retain jobs. Examine govt processes & procurment to promote efficiencies; use technology. Continue to encourage knowledge-based, innovation-based industries to grow more living wage jobs. Assist dislocated workers; promote retraining, higher ed & entrepreneurship in sustainable ag & renewable energy sectors.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Enable new sustainable framework for HHSC; authorize acute care hospitals to become discreet community-owned, non-profit corporations to seek public private partnership to better meet mission; provide discreet system, adequately funded, for long term care & critical access hospitals to ensure HC in all rural areas; develop integrated model w/ FQHCs and dedicated funds for quality care performance.