Changes

In 1989, Baden spoke out on the state level when he questioned the financial policies undertaken by Governor [[Buddy Roemer]]. At the time voters had just rejected a tax reform package submitted by Roemer. Baden said that average citizens of modest means "see waste and fat [in government]. They tell me they feel betrayed." Baden proposed that serious budget cuts be undertaken at the state level before any discussion of higher taxes be contemplated. He noted that Roemer had promised huge cuts in the education bureaucracy in the capital city of [[Baton Rouge]] which never materialized.<ref>"Mayor says 'betrayal by Roemer' was reason for tax reform failure," ''Minden Press-Herald,'' May 11, 1989, p. 1.</ref>​

In 1989, Baden spoke out on the state level when he questioned the financial policies undertaken by Governor [[Buddy Roemer]]. At the time voters had just rejected a tax reform package submitted by Roemer. Baden said that average citizens of modest means "see waste and fat [in government]. They tell me they feel betrayed." Baden proposed that serious budget cuts be undertaken at the state level before any discussion of higher taxes be contemplated. He noted that Roemer had promised huge cuts in the education bureaucracy in the capital city of [[Baton Rouge]] which never materialized.<ref>"Mayor says 'betrayal by Roemer' was reason for tax reform failure," ''Minden Press-Herald,'' May 11, 1989, p. 1.</ref>​

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==Election campaigns==​

=Election campaigns==​

In 1974, Baden made prohibition a key issue when he won his second term by a large margin over Rapides Parish School Board member Gary K. Hays (1938–1981). Baden continued to be reelected with few obstacles in 1978, 1982, 1986, and 1990. His last victory was in the nonpartisan blanket [[primary]] held on March 26, 1994, when he polled 2,449 votes (69 percent) to 1,075 (30 percent) for Republican Chris Cunningham, and 31 votes (1 percent) for another Democrat, Nick Patten.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Municipal election returns, March 26, 1994.</ref> Patten blamed his weak showing on the alleged theft of his campaign signs by Baden supporters. "It's just a terrible thing that you can't run a legitimate election in Pineville," Patten said. Baden retorted that some of his own signs had vanished as well.<ref>"Candidate files complaint; Says campaign signs disappearing," ''Alexandria Daily Town Talk,'' December 2, 1993, p. D-2.</ref>​

In 1974, Baden made prohibition a key issue when he won his second term by a large margin over Rapides Parish School Board member Gary K. Hays (1938–1981). Baden continued to be reelected with few obstacles in 1978, 1982, 1986, and 1990. His last victory was in the nonpartisan blanket [[primary]] held on March 26, 1994, when he polled 2,449 votes (69 percent) to 1,075 (30 percent) for Republican Chris Cunningham, and 31 votes (1 percent) for another Democrat, Nick Patten.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Municipal election returns, March 26, 1994.</ref> Patten blamed his weak showing on the alleged theft of his campaign signs by Baden supporters. "It's just a terrible thing that you can't run a legitimate election in Pineville," Patten said. Baden retorted that some of his own signs had vanished as well.<ref>"Candidate files complaint; Says campaign signs disappearing," ''Alexandria Daily Town Talk,'' December 2, 1993, p. D-2.</ref>​

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