Scott seeks re-election to County Commission

 

Anderson County Commissioner Theresa Scott is seeking a second term on the County Commission.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the residents of District 7, and I am dedicated to continue to make a positive difference,” Scott said in a press release. “I humbly ask to continue to serve within our county government.”

First elected just four years ago, Scott continues to volunteer within the community through the Neighborhood Watch Program, Oak Ridge Beer Permit Board, the Secret City Civitan Club, and the Lavender and Secret City festivals, as well as other various projects within the city, the press release said.

Since its inception in 2013, Scott remains an active member of Anderson County’s Underage Drinking Task Force and Prescription Medicine Task Force, which are led by Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention of Anderson (ASAP), the press release said. It said ASAP is proactive in educating the public of the harm of misusing alcohol and prescription pain medications. In 2016, Scott received the first runner-up of the Ally of the Year Award. Their prestigious Prevention Power Partner Award is given to a community member who staunchly supports prevention, and Scott said, “I am truly honored to have been named the recipient for 2017-2018.”

Because of her work, Anderson County Schools now has a Teacher Supply Depot for teachers to receive supplies for their classrooms free of charge, Scott said. That is allowing Oak Ridge Schools to focus on following the same program to help teachers to retain more of their income as well, the press release said.

The press release said each county commissioner gets $750 per year to spend on school students, and Scott’s portion of those funds have helped Glenwood Elementary School update its playground equipment, helped the Team 4265 Secret City Wildbots in Oak Ridge compete in the First Robotics World Championship, and helped with educational supplies for both the Oak Ridge Preschool and the fifth- and sixth-grade orchestra at Jefferson Middle School.

“Over the past four years, every conference, seminar, workshop, and class that I have attended, I have brought back information allowing me to move forward with decisions that make sense,” Scott said.

The Tennessee County Services Association has appointed Scott to their Nominating Committee because of her record of attending every conference for the commissioners in the state as well as her attendance to their classes.

“There is only one County Commissioner in East Tennessee on this important committee, and I’m proud to represent Anderson County,” Scott said.

As chair of the county’s Fire Commission, because of their ongoing commitment to provide mutual aid, she has led and encouraged the chiefs of the county’s volunteer fire departments in applying for and receiving three of Oak Ridge’s retired fire engines, the press release said.

“This alone has saved the county taxpayers over $1,000,000 in unnecessary spending from our General Fund,” the press release said. Scott is the only County Commissioner to have stood holding a boot with every volunteer fire department during annual efforts to raise funds for needed equipment, the release said.

“I was the only County Commissioner in the state of Tennessee to ever attend the 16-hour Fire Chief Orientation,” Scott said. “It was there that I learned firsthand of the duties, liabilities, and expectations held by our fire chiefs. Also during my term, we created the Anderson County Fire Chiefs Association. I continue to serve on several other community and county boards, commissions, and committees as well.”

Scott encouraged residents to “keep it in the county and shop local!”

“She (Scott) continues to encourage others to develop and grow here to help bring down property tax rates,” the press release said. “By partnering with county efforts, the Main Street Oak Ridge and other retail initiatives are expected to increase our local sales tax revenue. The relocation of the General Sessions Court Division II has remained in Oak Ridge because of your local voices on County Commission. This achievement continues to be a benefit to local residents, business merchants as well as officers of our police departments.”

“I continue to reside in the same residence and am a full time employee with Y-12 Federal Credit Union,” Scott said. “I do not have a personal agenda nor am I related to anyone who is employed or contracted within the county government and will not be influenced. I promise not to annoy the residents and voters with numerous calls, mailings, and adverts. I insist on campaigning on foot and walking through the neighborhoods to visit residents face-to-face and ask for the vote. It’s important that residents know who their representatives are and to offer direct methods of contact.”

Scott said the county needs fair and loyal representation, strong voices for residents in Anderson County government, and people who are committed to achieving workable solutions that will enhance the city and county.

“I believe that it’s important to pay it forward to allow someone else to give back to their community, and I want to continue to be their choice,” Scott said. “My platform remains just as it was four years ago—speaking up for and on behalf of the residents, taxpayers, homeowners, and voters of my district, which encompasses Pine Valley, Highland View, and Glenwood precincts. We need to continue to cut the fat and curb the overspending of our sales and property tax dollars. I am very proud of my achievements since taking office and ask that you allow me to again, serve as your county commissioner.”

The Anderson County general election is August 2. Early voting starts Friday, July 13, and continues through July 28.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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