Candidate Profile: Don Scott For Bedford Town Board

BEDFORD, NY — Election season 2023 is here and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Name: Don Scott
Age: 67
Hometown: Katonah
Running for which office: Bedford Town Board
Education: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, B.A. Economics and Business Administration
Political experience: Bedford Town Councilman; President, KLSD Board Of Education, Katonah Fire Commissioner, Bedford Wetlands Commission, along with numerous town committees including Traffic Safety, Communications, and Todd’s Pond Improvement.
Work experience: President of legal marketing firm.
Family: Wife, Stephanie. Grown children Greg and Katie.
Campaign website: www.donforbedford.com

Why are you seeking this office?

Because I know I can help.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?

A vote for me is a vote for someone not against someone else. I commend the other candidates for their willingness to serve. One problem in our politics these days–which sadly filters down from our national political process–is negative partisanship. Negative partisanship asks people to vote against a particular candidate. I ask for the opposite. That approach also breeds division and conflict. We need to come together.

Voters should support me for the unique set of skills I bring to our Town Board. As the only Medicare-eligible candidate, in addition to a few gray hairs, I bring valuable life experience and wisdom to the Board in addition to a deep and diverse background in community leadership and service. My previous roles include five years of service on the Town Board, presidency of the KLSD School Board, and tenure as Katonah Fire Commissioner, among others. I've been actively involved in multiple town committees, including Wetlands, Communications, Todd's Pond, and currently chair the Traffic Safety committee. Additionally, I serve as an officer of KVIS and on the Friends of Stepping Stones Committee.

What is the single most pressing issue facing your constituents and what do you intend to do about it?

We actually have 101 things — and — counting to accomplish. Visit donforbedford.com to see “101 Ideas for Bedford.” My top priorities in the coming year, working with our Town Board, would focus on three critical areas.

First, we must address the pressing issue of vacant spaces in our hamlets, especially in Bedford Hills. While it's encouraging that the county has allocated funds to help us develop a plan, we can't afford to wait. Immediate, actionable steps are needed to revitalize our hamlets. The time to act is now.

Second, we must get our Board back on track with planning. Substantial resources were invested in updating our master plan in 2020, but progress has stalled without explanation. It is a shame that the work product of scores of community members is withering on the vine. I am committed to reigniting this process and infusing it with a sense of urgency. Completing this work is vital, and I'm determined to drive progress in planning and other crucial areas. I can’t wait to get started.

Third, let’s create a culture on our Town Board of asking questions and setting goals and objectives. I watch every Board meeting and I am frequently disappointed by a lack of curiosity by our board members, or a specific direction. If you don’t have a destination, any road will take you there. We need a destination.

How would you address the affordable housing issue in the community?

As a board member of ACE - Allied Community Enterprises a housing advocacy group, it is a priority of mine. The Town, working with its Blue Mountain Housing Corp must find more opportunities not only for affordable housing but also housing that is affordable. We must publicize our ADU-Accessory Dwelling Unit rules which offer a great opportunity to add to our affordable housing stock.

How would you protect the drinking water in the community?

As a former wetlands commissioner, I value our wetlands laws which protect our drinking water which comes from wells both private and public. I support town wide testing of wells to stay on top of water quality. Working closely with their neighboring towns on this issue is also important as is continuing to purchase open space which helps protect our drinking water.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

See our “101 Ideas for Bedford” at www.donforbedford.com

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I previously served on the town board for five years. I’m proud of several initiatives I championed that resulted in legislation and or improvements. To name just a few; repaving the broken and dangerous section of 684 in Katonah, passing legislation to give the town the ability to clean up zombie homes, banning the sale of vaping products in our hamlets.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It's not how many times you get knocked down that matters. It's how many times you get up.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Diversity in our Town’s leadership should extend beyond demographics to encompass diversity of thought and perspective in order to represent everyone. Our campaign reflects this belief, and we pledge to infuse fresh ideas, energy, and experience into our roles on the board.