William Scott

William Burton Scott served in the U.S. Army from 1999 to 2021. He earned a high school diploma from Highland High School, a bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University in 2003, and a graduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 2013. Scott's career experience includes working as a military officer.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a New Mexican: I’m a Highland High Hornet that competed in state competitions (sometimes winning, sometimes needing to learn the grace of losing) for a myriad of topics that include academic decathlon, soccer, track, and chorus. I attended both UNM and NMSU, studying computers and mathematics, before getting a master’s degree at Vanderbilt University in Latin American Studies. I spent over twenty-two years in the Army, both as an enlisted cavalry scout, and as a military intelligence officer, with a further specialization in Latin American foreign relations. My passions outside of politics are tabletop games, Star Wars, and astrophysics. The truth is: even though I try to come off as a tough military soldier, I’m really a geek that watched too much G.I. Joe as a kid. I am a now father of two girls, and I am determined to make the world a better place for their tomorrow. I firmly believe that dreams can materialize when paired with unwavering focus and hard work. Right now, Senate District 19 is in dire need of a State Senator who is dedicated to the constituents and willing to put in the hard work. For my next chapter in life, I am committed to this mission, and together, we can make New Mexico a safer and more prosperous place.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Dignified Communication: Divisive politics are tearing the country apart. I decided to run for office to remind people that fellow Americans in different political parties are not your enemies, they are literally your neighbors. The real question is: are we going to work together to find common ground, or will we choose to focus only on the differences that prevent progress? The initiates that will empower New Mexicans to work together include: implementing ballot Initiatives, professionalizing legislature, petitioning signature reform, and ending political gerrymandering. Although these systematic changes could help to bridge the political divide, it is also essential to listen to our fellow neighbors regardless of political party.Crime & Economy: High violent crime and poor economic conditions are interlinked and should not be considered separate issues. To truly address violent crime, we must focus on preventing the conditions that draw people into violent or criminal behavior. High violent crime prevents industry from investing in our region, and poor economic conditions prevent individuals from prospering, making them more likely to commit crimes. Community policing, swift accountability, and improving the criminal justice system are keystones to lowering violent crime. Additionally, we must encourage business investment in New Mexico and rebuild the link between economic prosperity and wages. Together, we can create a safer and more prosperous New Mexico.Infrastructure: Rural New Mexico greatly needs infrastructure improvements. This includes high-speed broadband internet; paved roads; water management; residential solar credit and wind power; smarter, New Mexico-specific building codes; proven and emerging sustainable technology; closing the rural/urban resource divide; and sustainable agriculture. By promoting and leveraging infrastructure enhancements, we can significantly improve the quality of life in rural New Mexico, fostering economic growth and sustainability.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Dignified communication across all parties; fighting political gerrymandering; high-quality, affordable childcare and education for all; narrowing the earnings gap; decreasing violent crime; infrastructure for economic growth and sustainability; responsible gun ownership and informed police response; improved access and quality of healthcare.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official should focus on issues year round and understand the needs of everyday citizens. They should aim to bridge the gap between people, regardless of party, in order to address everyone's needs. In short, they should be open to unique values and needs, with an unwavering goal of improving the lives of all citizens.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Thirty years ago, I had my first job roasting green chile at the Frontier Restaurant.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I believe that the state's greatest challenges encompass safety, health, and economic improvement for all. This requires lowering violent crime, investing in better, more sustainable infrastructure, and prioritizing access to good education, resources, and healthcare for all citizens.