Former YWCA director to run for Legislature

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BY JoANNE YOUNG / Lincoln Journal Star

Susan Scott has lived in her southeast Lincoln district for 30 years.

She has worked as a management consultant, a nonprofit executive director, a mental health educator and a teacher for developmentally disabled people.

She has volunteered for multiple agencies and boards in Lincoln, including the Chamber of Commerce, Citizens Against Racism and Discrimination, the Commission on Women and Rotary No. 14.

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Susan Scott

Susan Scott

Now she says she is ready to work for Nebraskans as a senator representing District 29.

“I have spent the last 35 years as a public servant and advocate,” Scott said. “I want to use my education and experience to work for the citizens of District 29 and all Nebraskans.”

Scott, 59, said she would not use the position as a steppingstone to higher office.

When she completed her time as director of the YWCA last year, she said, she looked around for another challenge. She had been concerned that so few regular people can run for the Legislature, she said, concerned that it’s usually people who are wealthy or have a special interest.

“I am blessed with adequate time and financial resources to run for the Legislature,” she said. “I believe that everyone needs representation, and I want to meet the needs of the disenfranchised and average residents of District 29.”

Scott said she is especially interested in fostering strong families. She led the Lincoln YWCA for seven years and worked in and with other nonprofits and community organizations focused on families.

She believes it is necessary to invest in the state — in economic development, education and infrastructure — for the future.

She would like to see the state adopt a version of the earned income tax credit.

“Such a state credit would relieve the state tax burden on many low-income working families here,” she said.

Scott has a Master’s degree in education, guidance and counseling from South Dakota State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Creighton University.

Last year, she was named the Nebraska Business and Professional Women’s woman of the year and in 2006 was the state association of nonprofits’ executive of the year. In 2005, the NAACP recognized her for her community involvement. And in 2002, she was named recipient of the Alice Paul Award from the Lincoln-Lancaster Commission on the Status of Women.

Scott is a runner. She started at age 24, unable to run two consecutive blocks, and now has run in all 30 Lincoln marathons and 27 additional runs or marathons, including four 50-mile marathons.

Scott, a Democrat, will challenge Lincoln Sen. Tony Fulton, 35, a Republican who was appointed by Gov. Dave Heineman to fill the last two years of Mike Foley’s term after Foley was elected state auditor.

The primary election is May 13, and the general election is Nov. 4.

Reach JoAnne Young at 473-7228 or jyoung@journalstar.com.