By Erica Thomas, managing editor
CENTER POINT — Center Point City Council member Bobby Scott announced he will run for mayor in 2020.
Scott is nearing the end of his first term as a council member for Place 1. He also serves as the Beautification Chair as part of his council position. Scott said he decided to run for mayor after current Mayor Tom Henderson told him he was planning to retire. Although Henderson recently announced he will run for re-election, Scott said he has decided to stay the course.
“He taught me so much during my first term, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to step into that position,” said Scott. “He is running for mayor again and since he’s announced, I decided to go ahead and stick with it.”
Scott and his family moved to Center Point in 2002. Politics have never interested him, but he says he has a servant’s heart and wants to do what is best for the citizens and for the children in Center Point.
“I’m a big youth advocate,” Scott said.
Scott and his wife Sabrina have two children, Briana and Xavier. Scott’s number one reason for a mayoral run is to do something for the people.
“I’ve been PTA president twice at the intermediate school, I’ve been a Little League coach, I’m a photographer also,” said Scott. “Being able to speak for people that may not know where they can get certain resources is important to me. I am by nature a public servant.”
Scott said that public servant’s heart came from his mother who always reached out to give to others.
Over the years, Scott said he has seen more resources come into Center Point and he hopes to be a part of helping that continue.
Economic development is an important issue Scott would like to look at. He said he would invite developers into Center Point to help make the city grow.
“I think it will be more attractive for developers to come in once we get our safety issues fixed,” Scott added.
Scott said he wants to see sheriff’s deputies inside the neighborhoods of Center Point.
“You rarely see a Jefferson County patrol car inside the neighborhoods,” said Scott. “You don’t really have a community feel. We need to work on getting to know our officers, know they’re names.”
The mayoral candidate believes community policing could cut down on a lot of crime. When it comes to a police department for Center Point, Scott said if the budget would support a police station, he would recommend looking into the possibilities.
“You don’t want to half do it,” Scott said. “There is a lot to look at. I don’t think it’s something that you just jump in, feet first, and not do every bit of research to make sure it’s the right decision.”
While it is important to voice concerns, Scott said he believes it’s just as important to listen.
“Nobody’s listening to each other,” said Scott. “I would like to be that focal point where we can all get together and sit down and come up with an idea or work out our issues.”
Candidates for municipal elections across the state will begin to officially qualify on July 7, 2020. Center Point’s municipal election will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25.