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Dublin resident and former two-term California assemblywoman Catharine Baker has been appointed to the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
Baker, a longtime attorney who developed a reputation for bipartisanship as a Republican in the State Assembly, will return the FPPC to full five-person membership. The commission, designed to be an independent and nonpartisan body, is responsible for administration of the state’s Political Reform Act, which regulates campaign rules, lobbying and government ethics.
“I am deeply honored by this appointment,” Baker told the Weekly. “For much of my professional career and public service, I have focused on how we can bring about more effective, transparent, and accountable government. I am excited about the opportunity to continue this work with a Commission that is a nonpartisan and independent.”
“The FPPC does good work in many areas, and my underlying goal is to serve with diligence, fairness and common sense,” Baker added. “As for priorities: working to ensure government resources are not misused for personal benefit or campaign purposes, and to fight corruption and bias in government decision-making.”
California State Controller Betty T. Yee announced Baker’s selection on Dec. 14, picking the former assemblywoman to succeed Republican Allison Hayward on the commission. No more than three FPPC members may be from the same political party.
“The FPPC works to ensure public officials act in a fair and unbiased manner in governmental decision-making, promote transparency in government, and foster public trust in the political system,” Yee said.
Baker, who works as special counsel at law firm Hoge Fenton where she advises businesses and nonprofits and also practices election law, served four years in the State Assembly representing the 16th District, which includes the Tri-Valley. She won her seat in a tight election in 2014 and earned re-election comfortably in 2016 before losing a close race for a third term in 2018.
Yee pointed to Baker’s years of service on a range of nonpartisan and nonprofit boards, including California Women Lead, California Forward, California Common Cause, the Livermore Lab Foundation and the Diablo Regional Arts Association — as well as her past service on the California State Bar’s Financial Institutions Committee.
An excellent choice.
While I’d rather she re-run for her Assembly position or even higher office, I cannot think of a better person to be on this particular Commission. Especially considering the unfair election practices of her 2018 opponent that went unchecked by the partisan Bay Area media. Perhaps she can make sure those tactics are not able to be used again in CA.