By By Lisa Tindell – news writer
Alan Baker's father was a teacher. He taught Alan, and his siblings, the importance of family. He taught his family to be supportive of each other. Since Ollie Baxter Baker had passed away nearly 20 years before the ceremony, he was not physically in attendance at the swearing in of his son as state representative for District 66 on Wednesday.
But his presence was.
Baker chose to have his wife, Kaki, hold his father's Bible as he took the oath of office during a ceremony at the Escambia County Courthouse.
The oath of office was administered to Baker by Circuit Judge Brad Byrne. Kaki, Baker's wife, held the Bible as the oath was given and repeated.
Jack Fitts, pastor of First Baptist Church of Brewton, read from the Baker Bible, reciting scripture from the book of Micah.
Baker commented in a brief statement that he planned to do just that.
As Baker approached the front of the courtroom to be officially sworn in to his new position, family members were invited to stand with him for the ceremony.
No other members of Baker's immediate family have been participants in the political arena.
Baker won his bid for the District 66 state representative in the Nov. 7 election defeating incumbent F.P. &#8220Skippy” White. White had held the position for 24 years before being defeated in the most recent election.
Baker took office on Nov. 8 and has taken the oath of office in Baldwin County and made his position for Escambia County official with the Wednesday ceremony.