20 Questions: Chris Baird

Many of us might know Chris Baird as one of the seven elected Grand County Council Members. But what we might not know is that Chris moved to Moab to be a river guide, that he is a certified scuba guide and that he has a phobia of bumper stickers. Learn even more about Chris in this week’s 20 Questions.

What initially brought you to Moab?

I moved to Moab in the spring of ’97 to work as a river guide.

What do you love most about living in Moab?

The desert – I love the desert; I love seeing a long way and feeling the space, solitude, beauty and harshness.

What do you dislike about living in Moab?

I wish the olive bar were larger.

What is your occupation?

Luthier, Politician, CAD/CAM Engineer, Dad.

If you could have any job in the world, what would you most like to do?

Either the ones I’ve got or, perhaps, a writer.

Describe a typical day in your life.

Get the kids to school; build mandolins; garden; go to all kinds of meetings; pick up kids; cook amazing food; and, if there is time, hike, bike or climb.

Some people have bumper stickers on their car that reads: I’d Rather be Sailing. What would your bumper sticker read? I’d Rather Be…

I have a bumper sticker phobia, so I can’t answer this.

Tell us one thing people don’t usually know about you.

I am a certified scuba dive guide.

In high school, you would have been considered the person most likely to…

Drive off on my motorcycle and never be seen or heard from again.

What is your favorite Moab activity?

Climbing

Tell us your favorite non-Moab place to visit.

I’d like to spend some time at an ocean somewhere.

What do you consider your greatest achievement in life?

My kids, Aidan and Cora.

If you were president, what’s the first thing you’d do to make life better in America?

Resign

What superhero power would you most like to have?

“The Force.” That’s a superpower, right? Right.

If you could be an animal, what would it be? Why?

I think bighorn sheep and I have a lot in common, but I’d also like to be a bird.

What is your all-time favorite movie?

I don’t do favorites, but I like old movies. “Zorba the Greek” comes to mind.

And your all-time favorite book?

Again, no favorite – but I like “The Last Temptation of Christ.”

If you were stranded on a desert island, which three CDs would you want to have with you?

I’d rather have a guitar.

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

My girlfriend, for obvious reasons.

What is your life philosophy?

Stay inspired, work hard and love as much as you can.

20 Questions is featured weekly to introduce a local community member. E-mail Meredith at mereditharndt@yahoo.com if you, or someone you know, should answer our questions.