Downtown businessman runs for political office

Scott can’t make his candidacy official until the filing period opens Feb. 28; his opponent is unknown.

“I was born and raised in the district,” said Scott, referring to the 137th legislative district, in which he’s spent 34 of his 44 years living or working. “I’ve just had a long-standing connection that, frankly, a lot of other people can’t claim.”

The 137th district includes downtown and stretches from north of Interstate 44 to Grand Street and from West Bypass to National Avenue.

“I’m just seeing this as my way of giving back,” he said.

Scott, a Republican, said he decided in August to vie for the House seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Mark Wright due to term limits.

“Dan Scott, obviously, would be a very viable candidate,” Wright said about the longtime Springfield architect and businessman.

Scott owns The Design Agency LLC, an architecture firm formed in 1992, and Jericho Development Co. LLC, a commercial property development company formed in 1997.

He owns several properties and is currently developing a $2.8 million downtown loft and retail project called 400 Place at 400 E. Walnut.

Scott said he started fund raising in September – $6,000 so far – and hopes to raise a total of $80,000 before the November 2006 general election.

Scott said he would spend some of his own money on the campaign but declined to disclose his net worth. He said 90 percent of the campaign’s financing would come from donors.

“I think that’s just an important thing, to make sure you have people behind you,” Scott said.

Scott said he never before had political aspirations but his business experience translates well. Working with architectural clients and interacting with both Jefferson City and Washington, D.C., politicians as a representative of professional organizations have made him comfortable with the duties that he would assume if elected.

“I’ve always felt like it would be something that would fit my skill set,” he said.

Added Scott’s wife, Melissa Scott: “My husband’s a born leader. He’s just the type of person that people gravitate to.”

Meanwhile, Wright said he’s sad to see his eight years in the House fade into history.

But, he said, whoever takes his seat will take over an improved district. He also said he’s excited about his future.

“I’m going to miss it,” Wright said, “but just because I’m (hitting my term limit) doesn’t mean I’m not going to stay involved in this community and help it continue to progress.”

He said he plans to continue his job as project development director for Christian Health Care Systems and may seek another elected office down the road.

“I’m a pretty young guy,” said 36-year-old Wright. “I’ve got a lot of time ahead of me.”

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