Please provide a biographical narrative.
My name is Tony Scotto. I live in Sandy Township. I am happily married to Rossella Scotto and have two wonderful children, Mario and Monica Scotto. I am currently serving in my second term as County Controller. I have a Bachelor of Science in business administration, with a concentration in finance, from Seton Hall University. I am a small business owner, and I have helped out in the community. On May 19, I would sincerely appreciate your support.
What motivated your interest in running for Clearfield County Commissioner?
When I first ran for office, people asked me why I was running. Well, I love the community I live in. It’s a great place to raise children. I feel that civic leadership allows a person to serve and give back to his or her community.
What qualifications do you possess that would benefit the Clearfield County Commissioners’ Office?
As your county controller, I serve on the salary board, prison board and retirement board. I also assist the board of commissioners during the budgeting process. I‘ve made thorough decisions in the past and will continue to do so. I am also a small business owner and will bring in that experience to this position.
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 feel that county government is transparent but can always be improved. In the beginning of the year, we publish everyone’s salary, we print the county’s annual financial report in the newspaper, as well as post it on our Web site. The commissioner’s meeting minutes are also posted on the Web site. I believe that we could always do better, and we have a Right to Know officer who can provide information to anyone that seeks information.
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?
Every year, I attend the County Township Municipal Officials Convention. It allows me the opportunity to meet local officials and hear what issues they are facing.
I would also take the time to go to various municipal meetings. I would also seek to have our commissioners’ meetings live-streamed through our Web site, that way anyone can see them.
I would also have the meeting minutes available in our other county office facilities, such as our probation office in Dubois or our magistrates’ offices.
Also, I would seek to diversify the various boards, commissions and authorities by appointing members from all areas of the county.
If elected, what measures would you take to ensure the efficient operation of Clearfield County?
I would have department head meetings to see what areas could be streamlined, and discuss what their needs are to better serve the county. I would make sure that they have the proper positions in their offices, which would enable the offices to run smoother and get more work done. And at the same time I would keep an eye on their budget.
What is your opinion on regionalization of government positions, police forces, etc. within Clearfield County?
I think that grant monies aren’t always going to be there and that regionalization would be a good thing for municipalities in the county. It could bring costs down for taxpayers.
If elected, what measures would you take to generate economic development opportunities for Clearfield County?
We have a lot of pieces here. Like I said before, this is a great community that we live in. We have some good school districts, we are centrally located and we have a lot of space. What I would do is create an atmosphere for business to come here. I would do this by keeping taxes low, and having a balanced budget, as well as providing the human serves that we provide.
If elected, what would be your top priority as Clearfield County Commissioner?
My top priority would be the budget. It is important that we are fiscally sound. We have to be within our means and avoid unnecessary spending.
What are the greatest challenges facing Clearfield County? If elected, what measures would you propose to resolve them?
I would focus on employment and keeping our young people here. I don’t have a magic wand that would allow me to create new economic opportunities. All I can do is what I stated above, and that is to create an atmosphere for businesses to come here. This isn’t impossible but you can just look at Sandy Township for instance. Their officials were able to bring in WhiteWave industries. It can be done.
Also, I would work with our current industries, along with our higher educational institutions and trade schools, to see what curriculums can be taught to our young people so that they can obtain the needed positions.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address these questions.