By Samantha Joseph
Staff writer
MARTIN COUNTY - A candidate intent on protecting the county's current growth management policies is challenging incumbent Martin County Commissioner Patrick Hayes to become the representative for District 3.
Anne Scott, a Jupiter Island commissioner until May 2012, also served on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Committee for two years until 2011.
She is now retired, but was an associate judge in the Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois. Her campaign focuses on protecting the environment, cutting spending and making the county more welcoming to business.
Hometown News does not endorse any candidates for political office, but instead, provides information about each candidate for voters to make an educated decision.
Name: Anne Scott
Occupation: Retired
Age: 64
Spouse and children: I have been married to Stuart L. Scott for 30 years. We have seven children and nine grandchildren
Q: How long have you lived in Martin County?
A: We bought our house in 2001 and in 2004 we decided to make it our permanent home.
Q: Why did you decide to run?
A: I am running for county commissioner because I care deeply about Martin County, and I am concerned about the direction of our county. My opponent voted to weaken our growth rules, and he has not kept his promises to protect rural land, our environment and the comprehensive plan. I am troubled by the wasteful spending and the lack of transparency in the governance of the county. I am not beholden to any special interests, and I strongly believe in fair and impartial government and following the rule of law.
Q: What are the top two issues you plan to address for the county?
A: I will restore and strengthen the protections of our comprehensive growth management plan. I will undertake an exhaustive review of our budget in order to reduce wasteful spending and allocate our resources in a way that benefits all residents of the county fairly and equitably.
Q: What are the other central issues of your campaign?
A: I will do my utmost to hold the line on taxes. I will work to streamline the county permitting process and make it more user-friendly. I will strengthen wetland protections and other environmental protections.
Q: What makes you the most qualified candidate?
A: I have 15 years of public service, nine as a sitting judge and six as a non-partisan elected commissioner of the town of Jupiter Island. I believe my legal experience in understanding the law and applying the law to the facts offers an objective and fair viewpoint.
My experience working in local government in Florida, including working with various growth management structures mandated by Florida law, have given me a sound record and background to apply to restoring sound, fair and trustworthy governance to Martin County.
Contact information:
E-mail: AnneScott2012@gmail.com
Phone: (772) 285-9766
Website: www.AnneScott2012.com
Other: www.facebook.com/AnneScottForMartinCommission
Editor's note: The candidate did not provide a photo.
The incumbent, Mr. Hayes, did not respond to requests for a profile.