Sara Ortega
sortega@weatherforddemocrat.com
Precinct 2 candidate and Peaster Volunteer Fire Department Chief Leo Scott is all about communication.
“It’s not really a magic science to be a county commissioner,” Scott said. “The main things are to approve and maintain roads, keep the budget in check, and the tax rate down. But most of all communication to the people.”
Scott, who has lived in the county for more than 13 years, also believes holding more regular meetings with county departments heads will increase productivity within the office.
“We need to make sure the department’s productivity is getting the most bang for its buck,” he added. “That will make it easier to know if everyone will be on budget or if there will be a surplus because something won’t be met and things need to be shifted.”
Scott has served as chief for four years and said he feels his experience in corporate America as well as his volunteer work will assist him as a commissioner.
“I’ve volunteered in all these different organizations and see it from the other side of the fence,” he explained. “I want the court to recognize the resources they have in volunteer services. I’ve also done great big projects and really think my background in communication, automation and productivity evaluation can help keep our budget in check without having to make radical changes.”
Scott began his career at GTE/Verizon Directories, where he established a facility planning and design department to support both domestic and international growth. He spent two years in Mexico and in several other Latin American countries before making the decision to move closer to home after 9/11. Scott currently works as a project manager and customer service representative based in Aledo for Mueller Incorporated of Ballinger, Texas.
He will be running against incumbent Joe Brinkley, who said he plans to file after Christmas and welcomes the competition.
“I respect Leo, and he’s done a lot with the volunteer fire department,” Brinkley said. “After the New Year, we’ll all get into campaigning and have lots of fun.”
