To see the council candidate profiles of Celia Barotz, Bruce Kennedy or David Arendt, click their respected photos. This is part two of this series covering the Flagstaff city elections; to view the previous week’s candidates, scroll to the bottom and click their links.

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Scott Overton
Age: 35
Length of Flagstaff residency: 35 years
Education: Industrial technology, educational leadership (NAU)
Current occupation: Building contractor, city council member
Past occupation: Education

Why are you running for city council?
I was elected in 2006, and I think the reason I ran was because I felt there was a lack of representation for people who were from the younger age group — the mid-20s to the mid-30s — who needed a voice at the table. Trying to meet the needs of the community, run a small business and raise a family, I felt it was important for a person like myself to get back to the community and be a part of that discussion.

If elected, what skills or experiences will you be able to bring to city council?
Well, a couple of things. I served for four years, so I would say that I’ve had a pretty good tenure of experience to this point in making decisions. I hold several degrees. One is an undergraduate in industrial technology; the other one is in educational leadership. I was born and raised in Flagstaff, and I’ve worked for a number of school districts. I’ve been operating a small construction company for a couple of years now, and I just feel that between my educational experiences and my knowledge of city and community issues, my teaching background and my operation of a small business, I can take a wealth of all those experiences and apply them to making decisions that benefit the city.

What makes you stand out against all the other candidates?
Well, I have experience on the council. I’ve always been an outspoken [supporter] of making good, sound financial decisions. I have an understanding of the budgeting process — that is probably one of the most positive attributes, knowing the way budgets work and the times that [the budgets] lend themselves to. Everyday I work in the community — I’m out in the community — and I think I have a pretty good understanding of people’s needs.

How do you think you relate to the citizens of Flagstaff?
I’m no different than anybody else. I get up to go to work, I have kids who go to school, I pay my bills. I’m your blue-collar, average, everyday candidate that does his job for the right reasons and enjoys that. But, I’m in touch with what’s going on and some of the struggles that people are having, as well as some of the successes.

What are some of the ideas you would bring to the table if you are elected?
I think we need to do a good job of not only continuing our budget discussion, but providing quality services for the revenues we do have. I’d like to continue to work harder at building quality facilities and bringing those to the forefront, whether they be fire stations and recreation [facilities]… those are some of the things I would like to accomplish and work hard at.

What cause or topic are you most passionate about, and how would you advocate that in office?
I’d have to say keeping our local businesses successful, our local community fabric intact. You know, it’s unfortunate — you might graduate from NAU and have to leave the community for employment or the fact you can’t afford to live here, and I think it’s important to try to keep young people in the community. I work hard at doing that and I’ll continue that.”

Watch the SMC Mayoral Debate with Kara Kelty, Sara Presler and Joe Haughey.

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