The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-08-22
JUDGE SCOTT GETS. INTO CITY RACE AND.
 STATES HIS REASON.
Believes Experience as Busi- ness Man and Mayor of Ensley Qualify Him to
 Serve Whole City

of Paisley, Is in the race for associ- ate member of the city commission. His official announcement was made yesterday although it has been con sidercd certain for several weeks that he would make the race.
 Judge Scott is one of the best known men in Greater Birmingham and has been in public life at vari- ous times for more than 20 years. lie was the first mayor of Ensley, serV- ing in that position for seven years after that city was founded. lie has always taken an active and promi- nent part in all matters of civic and political moment, but has held no office of remuneration except that of mayor of Ensley At times he has been honored by the people with hon- orary positions.
 Some weeks ago a petition was presented to Judge Scott signed by more than 90 per cent of the citizens of Shadyside, the suburb in which he lives. asking that he make the race and pledging their support in the contest. Since that time this petition has been augmented by many other citizens from Ensley, Pratt City and Wylam, as well dS rum otiiSl P9i So of Greater Birmingham. including a large number of prominent people from Birmingham.
 Judge Scott was elected the first mayor Of Ensley 20 years ago and served for four terms. During his term of office, Ensley developed from a mere village into one of the largest cities in the state and emerged from a town with no schools, lights. streets, sewers or other conveniences Into a most modern and progressive city. It was during his term that the foundation for the present city Of Ensley was laid and to his progress sive and far seeing plans Is credited the rapid growth of that section of the city and it's present modern facll- ities.
 During his term of office, the sys- tems of storm and sanitary sewers were laid which have made Ensley very healthy city. the school system was started which was so thorough and efficient that it fitted into that of Birmingham when the two cities were merged; the public library and city hall were built. streets were laid out and sidewalks constructed and 8 thoroughly modern and efficient fire department and police force were or
  placed upon a sound and conserva- tive financial basis.
 With frequent changes in the board of aldermen and with the members of the board only giving limited part of cir time, the affairs of the rapidly growing city of Ensley large ly rested in the hands of Judge Scott during the seven years he was mayor, and his record in handling the busi- ness of that city and hts wisdom in making plans for the future growth is demonstrated today more forcibly than ever.
 He was especially interested in providing adequate educational ia cilities and in constructing perma- nent school buildings and a number of the structures now used by the city schools of Birmingham were built during his administration. Judge Scott financed the first school build ings in Ensley by giving his per- sonal note in order to get the money, the city of Ensley not being suffici- ently well organized at the time to make a loan for that purpose.
 Judge Scott has spent the greater part of his life in Jefferson county, most of which time he has resided in what is now Birmingham. He is the father of the bill which provides for the construction of the East and West and the North and South high ways and has always been keenly in- terested in the construction of good streets and good roads. He has al ways taken an active interest and part in all matters of civic and poli- tical importance.
 'In announcing my decision to make the race for associate commis- sioner of Birmingham, l do so after due deliberation and at the request of a large number of citizens, not only in Vivian, Pratt City and Ems ley, where I reside and am best known, but also In Birmingham and in the eastern end of the city" said Judge Scott yesterday. While every candidate can make unlimited prom ises of what he would do if elected to this office, I am content to stand on my record IS mayor of Ensley during the first seven years of it's existence. As to business ability, ] am willing for the voters to look into my record as business man during more than 20 years in both the mercantile and the real estate business in what Is now Birmingham.
 While, naturally, have my strongest support in Vivian, Pratt City and Ensley, where I have re- sided for many years, and where my record Is best known, I am grat!fied to state that many of my strongest supporters reside in Birmingham proper and the eastern end of the city. I can pledge the people that if elected I will lend my best efforts to conduct the city's affairs as they should be conducted At any rate, the voters can be assured that will. give the city business the same care ful and conscientious attention tha. I would devote to my own personal affairs"