Please provide a biographical narrative.
I was born, raised and lived my entire life in Clearfield County. Currently, my wife, Mari Lynn Martini Scott, and I, reside in the DuBois area.
I have been self-employed my entire adult life. I was involved in the day-to-day operation of the former Herb and Tom Gateway Markets, which had locations in Clearfield, DuBois, Kylertown and Ridgway.
I am the owner of Gateway Enterprises, which consists of Gateway Auto Sales, Gateway U-Haul and rental real estate properties.
I also have been involved in local auto racing for decades as a driver and long-time car owner. I served as track manager at the former Clearfield Mountain Speedway.
I am a 1980 graduate of DuBois Area Schools and attended DuBois Business College.
What motivated your interest in running for Clearfield County Commissioner?
I have been thinking about the best way I can “give back” to the community that has given me so much. I believe with my business experiences, and because of being in contact and working with the public daily, that gives me a good perspective. It will put me in a position to be able to help Clearfield County residents and satisfy my desire of giving back.
What qualifications do you possess that would benefit the Clearfield County Commissioners’ Office?
I’d like to use my practical and business experience to keep Clearfield County moving forward.
Government transparency has been a buzzword in politics for the past few years. Do you feel that the county is transparent enough? If not, what needs to change?
I believe the current board of commissioners has been fairly transparent. Having said that and if fortunate enough to be elected, I will be sure to see that the business of Clearfield County is always done above board and done in public.
If elected, how would you reach out and form relationships with citizens of Clearfield County? How would you reach out to those citizens in the outlying areas of the county?
If elected, I would have an open door policy and attend various meetings of local government to foster relationships with those entities.
If elected, what measures would you take to ensure the efficient operation of Clearfield County?
As a life-long business owner, I believe the county can and should be run like a business. I have run successful business entities my entire adult life and am confident that I can do the same for Clearfield County. I would like to do a top-to-bottom overview of each agency and all programs to ensure that we are getting the most bang for our buck.
What is your opinion on regionalization of government positions, police forces, etc. within Clearfield County?
There is no question that regionalization can save the taxpayer money. Any effort to do so must only be done with the full cooperation of each municipality involved and not undercut any service to outlying areas.
If elected, what measures would you take to generate economic development opportunities for Clearfield County?
We are blessed with natural historic beauty that lies in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds. We are also fortunate to have an abundance of natural resources in our coal, timber and gas re-serves.
Couple these attributes with the fact that we are bisected by Interstate 80, U.S. Route 219 and major railway systems leaves us poised to lead the Commonwealth in the creation of family-sustaining jobs.
I think that given the opportunity with my entrepreneurial experience, we can make that happen. I believe that an elected official must see that our tax dollars are spent in as an efficient manner as possible. I believe that the “taxpayers of the county deserve no less.”
I am looking forward to the political campaign and being able to serve the people of Clearfield County.
If elected, what would be your top priority as Clearfield County Commissioner?
My top priority would be serving the people of Clearfield County and ensuring that the economic climate will be a great place to live, work and raise a family.
What are the greatest challenges facing Clearfield County? If elected, what measures would you propose to resolve them?
I would focus on keeping our residents of Clearfield County employed, maintaining county services as efficiently as possible and growing business within the county. We have many great natural resources in our area, and I would like to see the best made out of them.