As you know, I am currently running for a seat on the Hays City Commission. As it works out, this has made me a target of sorts for some ridicule. In a recent Facebook comment made by a former police officer. He made a statement along the lines that the people of Hays forget things all too quickly like “there’s a guy running for city commission” that was arrested for marijuana and something about another person running for a county or school board office that got in trouble for fraud or something along those lines.
The “guy running for city commission” was me. That being said, here’s the long and the short of it. Some 20 plus years ago, I did indeed get into legal trouble for possession of marijuana but, again, that was over 20 years ago. It was a serious offense, and I do not want to try and justify or belittle that. What I can say is that since that event in my life, I have never been involved in anything of that gravity again. I made a mistake, and I admit that. It wasn’t any secret at the time, and I know it is not a secret today either.
After attending more that a year’s worth of city meetings and work sessions, I decided to run for office anyway. I knew there was a possibility that all this might be brought up again but after weighing the possibility that someone might try to make hay out of this versus what I thought I could bring to the table on behalf of our citizens, I felt it was worth the risk and proceeded to throw my hat in the ring. I was also warned by multiple other business owners not to get involved in our city government because it would or could “hurt my business.”
Here’s where I’m at with all this. First of all, I have more faith in the people of Hays than that. I do not believe that if one becomes a part of local government and does a good job of not only trying to be wise with our tax dollars but responsive, respectful and kind to folks who have inquiries, that it should have any negative effect on one’s business.
I also do not believe that the people of Hays are forgetful. I more think that in general, the people of Hays are forgiving. My business has continued to grow in spite of the mistake I made some 20 plus years ago for a number of reasons. I try to treat people like I would want to be treated. I believe that someday we will all have to answer for the things we have done and the way we treat folks so I try very hard to treat everyone fairly, respectfully and in a kind manner. I never overcharge for services and try to stand behind everything we do. I usually try to help out with the bills we make out wherever I can, especially when someone is in a financial bind. I work late at night and on many Sundays to keep jobs caught up so people get the best service and turn around time on the work they need done. I truly care about all eight of my employees and try to be the best leader for all of them that I can. I intend to do no less for the citizens of Hays if they choose to elect me to a seat on this commission.
No matter what the outcome of the election is, I will have no regrets for seeking this office. I have learned a lot about how things work at city hall and I have been very enlightened to the point that I think some changes need to be made. I will not duck my head and put my tail between my legs over any of this stuff from over 20 years ago. I am not proud of it but some of the things we go through in life help make us who we are today and I can look myself in the mirror and know that in spite of human weakness, my heart is good and so are my intentions. Hopefully this note will help clarify any misinformation or rumors that seem to be circulating.
Very sincerely,
Scott Simpson, Hays City Commission candidate