Morning Edition; Jim Scott

It's morning edition on KRPS. We are four days away from municipal elections taking place across Missouri. Locally, Joplin City Council elections were scheduled to take place on April 7th. But because of the pandemic, the election was shifted 60 days to Tuesday, June 2nd. This morning we hear from Jim Scott, who is running in zone 2 for a four-year seat. I first asked Jim to introduce himself to voters. My name is Jim Scott. I'm a Joplin Navy. I've lived in the area my entire life. I've graduated from Joplin High School. I attended MSSU and I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia. I'm a Vietnam veteran and I served at the Naval Support Activity in Denang in 1969-70. I founded and owned Scott Electronic Systems. We're a 40-year-old company and a 25-year member of the Joplin Chamber of Commerce. We design and manufacture custom industrial electronic assemblies for companies across

the nation and we've also worked around with businesses around Joplin. I've taught electronics to both high school students and adults at Franklin Technical School here in Joplin. In addition, I've served on advisory boards at Franklin Technical School and also at Carthage High School Votec. I've been the past president of the Exchange Club of Joplin and the Joplin Amateur Radio Club. I served on the Board of Directors for the George Washington Carver Memorial Nursery School and I'm a member of the historic Murphy's Bird Preservation Inc. and the American Legion Post-13. I've been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1970 and a life member of the American Radio Relay League and I'm married. We have one daughter and live in Murphy's Bird Historic District of Joplin. And so why are you running for City Council then? Well, my experience is with industry, specifically manufacturing and I would bring that to perspective

to the council. Currently, there's no representation from that sector on the City Council. I've watched this community change significantly in a positive way. We're on the move. I would like to be a part of that process. I believe Joplin could become a major hub for commerce and industry, mostly because of its strategic location and major highways, I-44 and I-49, highway 400 to the west. We have rail and air service and the area has a large pool of potential employees. The town's population is 50,000 but with 400,000 people live within 40 miles of here. If I recall, it's the fourth largest metro area in Missouri. With more industry comes jobs, an increased tax base and a better quality of life for

our citizens. And I think we need to continue our partnership with the Chamber and then tie those businesses to come here, locate here. Here's an example. If you look at Bentonville, it was Walmart that made that city grow. And from that came Crystal Bridges, the Walmart Museum and a higher standard of living. Our city's on the move and our new Chamber President is pushing hard to as well. You know, choose Joplin as our slogan now. Even approach Tesla to locate a plant here. All right, I'll end with this. You're out knocking on doors and shaking hands. Give us your best pitch why a Joplin resident should vote for you. Here's the pitch. Thank you, Fred, for taking the time to visit with me. I really appreciated the opportunity to present myself to the citizens of Joplin. My experience is with manufacturing and I bring that perspective to the table.

Joplin's strategically located. Has major highways, rail lines and an airport and we can capitalize on these assets. And teamed with the local Chamber, this Joplin could become a major player in industry and commerce. I intend to work hard to promote business, industry, education and job training programs here. I've met with many folks around this community and I still am during my campaign. And without exception, they've shared their comments and concerns. I support the need for clean safe neighborhoods, better job opportunities and affordable housing. Those are often mentioned. I'm not a one issue candidate. I believe we should take care of our city employees and staff as they're in a central part of our community. In short, they make Joplin a better place to live. As for myself, my family goes back to the beginning of this city. My great grandfather was the first elected mayor of Joplin and as a Joplin native, I'm familiar with the rich history of this area. I encourage everyone to vote.

I happen to live in zone two, but voting is city wide for all council candidates who are standing for election. And my name is Jim Scott and I am asking for your vote on June 2nd. All right, Jim Scott, running in zone two, a four year seat on the Joplin City Council. I want to thank you for your time this morning. Thank you Fred. That was Jim Scott. One of three candidates running to fill a four year seat in zone two on the Joplin City Council. To learn more about his campaign, visit his Facebook page at Jim Scott for Joplin City Council. You can also hear this interview again, along with the rest of the candidates running for city council at our news blog, krpsnews.com.