Election 2025

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Tootie Samson. My husband and I have lived in Baxter for about 30 years. We have three children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. I am a graduate of Baxter High School along with our three children and three of our grandchildren. I have served as officers on both Baxter Pride and Baxter Economic Development. I have also served on Planning and Zoning and currently serve on the Board of Adjustments.

What are you running for?

I am running for one of the open city council seats.

Why are you running for city government?

I served on the council from 2019 to 2023. I am your average tax paying citizen and not a business owner. I am a voice for the citizens of Baxter and especially the elderly who have helped pave the way to where Baxter is today. I am proud to live in a community that has its own K – 12 school. Baxter is a clean town, we have several small businesses and our Main Street is unlike any other. I grew up on the farm and Baxter is surrounded by beautiful farms, so it has the feel of living in the country with the convenience of small-town life.

Why do you think public service is important?

Involvement, I’m far from a politician but attend council meetings to stay up on where we are and the future of our wonderful town. Not only did I attend ALL the meetings when I was on the council previously but attended almost all council meetings for several years prior as a concerned citizen. I still attend meetings and feel that if you want to run for a public office, you should have an idea of what you are getting yourself into and not just be a name on the ballot or popularity contest.

Council members are not above the law and should be held at a higher standard than the citizens they represent. They should be in attendance to their meetings, read their council packet and most importantly follow the ordinances that they put in place for the city. They should never avoid meetings because they are afraid of the public seeing how they vote on important matters.

What issues in the city are most important to you?

Housing for the elderly with one level living that would free up their mature homes for young families to move into and add to our school system. We are a bedroom community with most adults working out of town but want to come home to a more relaxing environment free of the big city hustle and bustle.

Where is the city succeeding?

We have a strong school system with growing open enrollments every year. School Bonds have helped update and continue to grow our K thru 12 school system. We have several small businesses. There are volunteer groups that continue to have several community events to attract others to our town. The Chichaqua Valley Bike Trailhead ends at the newly renovated Geise City Park and brings many bicyclists to Baxter.

Where does it need improvements?

Streets and infrastructure are problems in any city and with the cuts in government funding small towns are strapped on what to take care of first. Affordable housing for young families and definitely housing for the senior population.