Fort Smith Mayor leaves hospital, ‘progressing well’

The news that Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker had been released from the hospital and is doing better drew applause from the audience at the Tuesday (Dec. 1) meeting of the Fort Smith Board of Directors.

Dr. Cole Goodman, a Fort Smith City Director and physician at St. Edward, reported prior to the start of the meeting that Baker was released in the afternoon and is home resting. Goodman said Baker is eager to get back to city business, but has been cautioned to rest and fully recuperate.

Goodman said Baker is “progressing well.”

Baker, 70, entered the hospital Nov. 15 after becoming very weak because of the infection. Goodman said he remains in the hospital to “recuperate and convalesce” after the illness, adding that Baker’s release from the hospital “may not be determined for awhile.”

Baker successfully underwent surgery and chemo for colon cancer in late 2007.

Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker announced Sept. 24 he will seek a sixth term as mayor. Baker will have served 20 years as mayor when his term ends in 2010. Another term would have him serving as mayor for almost a quarter of a century.