Fort Smith mayor remains in hospital

Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker remains a patient at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, recovering from a serious infection.

Dr. Cole Goodman, a Fort Smith City Director and physician at St. Edward, reported prior to the city’s Monday (Nov. 23) budget discussion that Baker is in good spirits but “was upset” that he was missing his first budget meeting in his almost 20 years as mayor. Goodman said he was reporting only what Baker agreed to allow.

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.”

Goodman requested citizens respect Baker’s “privacy and dignity” during the illness.

“Everyone means well, but he doesn’t need visitors,” Goodman said.

Baker did get request and receive a call from Fort Smith Finance Director Kara Bushkuhl. Bushkuhl said Baker had a few questions about the budget, and she said she assured Baker they would survive the budget process without him.

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