Councilman Scott to seek mayor’s office
By Author
City
Published Dec. 3, 2008

Jim Scott

Two-term Councilman-at-large Jim Scott said there’s a need for change in Bay Village and that he can help bring that about as mayor.

Scott, who was unopposed when he was re-elected to his council-at-large last year, announced last week he will challenge incumbent Debbie Sutherland for the mayor’s post in 2009.

“People have been asking me about this for some time,” Scott said. “It’s been for several years now. At first it was about three years ago and I didn’t necessarily think much of it at first because every person has their supporters and detractors. But I’ve been hearing fairly steadily now from some people for about a year that there’s a need for change in the city and that they’d like me to run for mayor. I have concerns about the budget and several other areas.”

He cited the city budget, restoring good relations and eliminating safety issues with the fire department, reducing basement flooding, improving the working relationship between council and the mayor and improving communication with residents.

Scott said he expects the race between himself, Sutherland and anybody else who runs to be different than the 2005 race when there were five candidates.

“It was a bit of a free for all at times in the last election and I’m not going to go for that,” Scott said. “I expect a good, hard race where we stick to issues and concerns of the city.”

He said he has heard that there could be interest in other council members running for mayor but did not want to cite names at this point.

“I’m primarily concerned with making sure my campaign is underway properly,” he said.

Sutherland said she expects a good race.

“He’s a credible candidate with two terms on council and  I’m looking forward to running against him,” she said.

Scott said he has the experience to be mayor and is ready to lead.

  “I’ve served on five of the six council committees and chaired three of them.   I also pulled together and chaired the Citizens Cable Committee, which opened the door to additional cable service in our community.  Earlier this year I presented an alternative budget proposal to reduce spending.  I know what needs to be done.”

 Scott said that his 25 years at NASA and experience as a manager and technical team leader have prepared him to lead.  “I know how to work with others, focus on goals and get the job done.  This is an essential requirement of leadership – being able to effectively work with others, solve problems and get things done. I think my strong educational background will also sell well with voters. Bay Village residents appreciate the value of having highly educated leaders.”

He said the city needs to lower costs.

“It will be necessary to reduce spending to rectify the current budget problems,” Scott said.  “It starts with the salaries of the mayor and city council.  We should immediately pass legislation to reduce their salaries for the next term by 5 percent.”

Referring to fire department issues, Scott said he is opposed to the present five man minimum policy put in place by Mayor Sutherland.  “This policy jeopardizes the safety of both our residents and EMS personnel.  I will restore and maintain the six man minimum policy so that safety is no longer compromised.”

Scott said he is already working on the basement flooding problem.

“As chairman of the Public Improvements, Streets, Sewers and Drainage Committee, I held a series of meetings earlier this year and put together a plan for improving the city sewers.  Unfortunately, the plan is yet to be implemented.  As mayor, I will see that this long term plan is implemented so that basement flooding is reduced.”

Scott said he feels it is important that the next mayor develop a better working relationship with city council.

“The mayor and city council make important decisions that affect the entire community.  It’s important that there be good communication between the mayor and council members.  As mayor, I will improve communication with council and establish a relationship of trust.”

Scott said he will improve communication with residents.

“I will improve the city newsletter and give the city website a major upgrade.  I will also continue to support and hold town hall meetings as I have the last five years.”

Scott said he is looking forward to getting out in the community and talking with residents.  “My focus as mayor is going to be all about the community.  The needs of the residents come first.”