Frank D. Scott Jr. (born November 18, 1983) is an American politician from the state of Arkansas. He is the mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas, serving since January 2019. Scott is a member of the Democratic Party.
Frank Scott | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 73rd Mayor of Little Rock | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Mark Stodola |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 18, 1983 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Memphis (BA) University of Arkansas, Little Rock (MBA) |
Early life and education
editScott is from Southwest Little Rock. He graduated from Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School. He then earned his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Memphis, where he became a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.[1][2]
Political career
editScott began his public service career in the office of Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, where he served for five years, first as deputy policy director and later as director of intergovernmental affairs.[3] Scott accepted a position as a community banker with First Security Bank, while continuing to devote significant time to serving both his city and state as a member of the Port of Little Rock Board of Directors and as a member of the Arkansas Highway Commission.
In the 2018 election, Scott ran for mayor of Little Rock. In the November 6 nonpartisan election, he led a five-candidate field with 37.11% of the vote,[4] falling short of the 40% required to avoid a runoff election. Scott and Baker Kurrus advanced to a December 4 runoff, where Scott defeated Kurrus. Scott is the first elected African American mayor of Little Rock.[5]
Scott was sworn in on January 1, 2019.[6] In his first term, Scott proposed the "Rebuild the Rock" initiative, to be supported by a new sales tax to replace an expiring one.[7] The initiative is meant to fund improvement of infrastructure and public parks, a senior center, sports complex, and upgrade technology and equipment used by first responders.[8][9] The measure was defeated in a referendum in September 2021.[10] Scott continues to push for a new sales tax and a date for a new referendum has been set for November 2024.[8]
Scott ran for reelection in the 2022 election.[11] He defeated local businessman Steve Landers, Sr, with 50% of the vote.[12]
On April 21, 2023, the Arkansas Ethics Commission voted 4-1 that Scott was in violation of the law for not reimbursing the city when he used his city-owned vehicle to travel to and from campaign events in his 2022 re-election campaign. Scott paid a $250 fine.[13]
References
edit- ^ Hall, Rebekah (September 20, 2018). "Frank Scott Jr.: the unifier | Cover Stories | Arkansas news, politics, opinion, restaurants, music, movies and art". Arktimes.com. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ "Scott got lost in hometown, found path to politics". Arkansasonline.com. October 19, 2018. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ "Mayor Frank Scott Jr". City of Little Rock. February 23, 2020.
- ^ "Front-runners Frank Scott Jr., Baker Kurrus to face off for Little Rock mayor". Arkansasonline.com. November 7, 2018. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ "Little Rock, Arkansas elects Frank Scott as first black mayor". USAToday.com. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ "Frank Scott Jr. sworn in as Little Rock's new mayor". Arkansas Online. January 1, 2019. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Little Rock mayor's "Rebuild the Rock" sales-tax proposal + election, explained". Arkansas Online. August 24, 2021.
- ^ a b "Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. gives update on sales tax drive, sets date for vote". KARK. August 31, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Little Rock mayor outlines proposal for additional 1% sales tax, $600M in projects". Arkansas Online. July 27, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Kane, Parris (September 15, 2021). "'Rebuild the Rock' sales tax proposal fails: What happens next". KATV.
- ^ "Frank Scott announces intentions to run for second term as Little Rock mayor". Arkansas Online. February 1, 2022.
- ^ "Frank Scott re-elected as Little Rock mayor after Landers concedes". thv11.com. November 8, 2022.
- ^ "Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.'s use of city vehicle during '22 campaign violated law, ethics panel finds". Arkansas Online. May 30, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
