Support from family important in municipal politics says warden

Paulette Scott, warden for the Municipality of Shelburne for close to four years, is open about the challenges faced not only by women but by both genders considering becoming involved in municipal government.

One of her biggest challenges as warden was persuading council to have an organizational review to analyze what they were doing right or wrong.

“It took me a year before council would agree. I believe it was one of the best things we did,” she said.

“The public got input. So did staff and council and the end result was moving to a new form of governance going from the Clerk-Treasurer System to the Chief Administrative Officer System of administrative governance. Council agreed to move forward and become more open to the public and take a hands-off approach to managing staff and getting less involved with administrative issues,” she said.

Scott, who has also been a councillor for District 6 for 14 years, became involved in municipal government after serving on the School Board.

Her work background is extensive.

At the age of 12 she worked at a fish plant. She’s also been a waitress, bank-teller and supervisor, bookkeeper, secretary, community liaison and office administrator.

As a youngster, helping her neighbor make hay, looking after their farm animals or babysitting came naturally.

“I was taught to respect and help others. That was how I learned to be a part of your community,” she said.

Other interests include her church, youth groups, sports teams and performing comedy skits with her sister Cathy Davis for fundraisers.

Rewards associated with being a warden are personal, she says.

“For me it has been about trying to get jobs into our area and trying to create a positive attitude about our community. If you try and fail at least you have tried; not to try says you are defeated already. I believe that the Municipality of Shelburne has a great future and will grow if more people will get on board and help to move it ahead.”

For those interested in becoming involved in politics, Scott advises them first to have the support of their family.

“Then go out and door knock and find out what your community wants. If you are a person who enjoys a challenge and enjoys serving the public, politics is the place for you. Try it, you may find that you like it.”

Her greatest achievement?

“My husband and I have been together for 35 years and have three children who we are very proud of. Spending time with them and sharing in their growth has given us our greatest joy and is the most rewarding thing we have done in our lives.”