Local opinion: So, who is this guy named Rex Scott?

So who is this guy named Rex Scott?

When we think about the characteristics we want in a candidate for office, most of us have a personal short list of qualities and expectations that a candidate must possess if we are to lend our support and place our trust in that person. My list is simple. I expect a person to be honest, ethical, responsive, make decisions after thoughtful consideration of as many points of view as possible and vote based on what s(he) believes is most beneficial for the common good. I expect my chosen candidate to use personal principles as a screen, and have the courage to act, not simply choose a path they think will get them re-elected. In leadership, character matters.

As a young school administrator, I remember attending a town hall by a local politician about something that would have a direct impact on my students and their best interests. The district consisted of many families in poverty, with a large minority population. The candidate listened to impassioned comments by many of us who pleaded for his support for those most vulnerable whose voices were often drowned out by those who had more resources and, as a result, greater influence over decisions. I will never forget his response because it helped me to understand the difference between a politician and a principled representative. He said, “I appreciate your comments, and I believe what you are asking for is the right thing to do. But how can you expect me to go back to my constituency and tell them I voted for this when I know the majority of them expect me to vote a different way? I will never get elected again.”

That brings us to Rex Scott. I have known Rex since he arrived in Tucson when I was Assistant Superintendent in Flowing Wells School District. He applied for a position at our Junior High School. I interviewed him and he shared his passion for teaching and his background as a former City Council member in Ohio – one of the youngest on record. It was clear to me that Rex was someone who understood that service to others was what defined him as a person and he was committed to spending his life doing exactly that. Rex taught school for several years and our relationship grew personally, as I watched him move from the classroom to administration. Years later, I moved on to the University and finally on to serve as superintendent of Tucson Unified School District, where Rex was principal of Catalina High School. It was there that I saw what Rex had become as a leader and the way he was able to create positive culture and lead with honor and integrity.

Since that time, Rex returned to public service as County Supervisor in the District One where I reside. Over the past four years, Rex has demonstrated his continued commitment to service and honest leadership, always operating ethically and with the courage it takes to make hard decisions based on a sense of morality and personal strength. He does not simply bend to party politics and do what he knows would be most popular. He takes the time to consider all points of view and lands on the place he believes will benefit the greatest number of people in the most effective way. A key to strong representation is responsiveness. You will not find anyone who has dealt with Rex Scott who will complain about him not returning calls or being willing to meet to better understand concerns. Rex has a service heart and understands the importance of bringing dignity to the table, even when others do not.

So, many of us in District One know what it is to have a supervisor who is arrogant, not responsive, operates from a purely political power position, and seems to ignore the minority opinion in favor of the most politically advantageous one. It is absolutely refreshing to experience leadership that you can trust and depend upon. If it is principled representation you want and not simply political strategy, Rex Scott should be at the top of your list.