Q&A With Scott Drake, Decatur Commission Candidate, Part 2

Scott Drake, 37, is running in the March 19 election for the Decatur City Commission seat representing District 1. The Decatur native attended Druid Hills High and the University of Mississippi and previously ran his own advertising and marketing agency. He is now director of client services for SolDesign, an interactive marketing agency. He lives in the Artisan condo building with his wife and two children. You can find more information on his candidate website.

The other candidate, Greg Coleson, answered the first set of questions on Monday and the second set on Wednesday. Drake answered the first set on Tuesday. Answers have been edited for length.

What would you bring to the city commission?

First of all, my experience. … I’ve seen how things get done in Decatur, I’ve seen how the community can impact what gets done in Decatur. I’ve done a lot of work with the Decatur Business Association over the past 14 years and served as president. I’ve lived in a couple of different neighborhoods in Decatur so I understand their challenges.

But most important it’s bringing someone with a diverse background to the city commission, whose worked with the city on a variety of different things, whose worked with business owners. I own a small business in Decatur so I know the challenges there. But it’s bringing somebody who’s open-minded and is willing to listen to people and issues and not make rash decisions. 

What we’re experiencing here in Decatur is the work done 20, 30, 40 years ago by different people. It’s not something that always happens overnight. It takes a short-term sensibility and a long-term vision.

Here’s a personal question. What the biggest hurdle you’ve faced in life?

I think probably a hurdle, or again challenge mixed with a little opportunity, was when I stepped out in 2001-- I think I was about 27 years old--and started my own business. I started an advertising and marketing agency that was a great experience. … I had that about nine years until we sold it. That was probably the biggest hurdle, taking that leap of faith and doing that at a young age.

Is there anything you want the people of Decatur to know about you?

I want them to know that Decatur is a special place. … As I go around Atlanta or the Southeast and I tell people where I come from, I don’t say I come from Atlanta, I say I come from Decatur. Ten, 15, 20 years ago a lot people never heard of it but now when I say it and they know of it. We’re on the map, we’re being watched and were doing things right.

What I want to do is continue that. I want to bring my experience and my work ethic and my ideas and bring those to help this community stay on track as a great place, expand on some really neat ideas that we have going on.

I want the people of Decatur to know that I’m going to work hard and listen to everyone and make the best decision possible.

Other stories on the special election.

Bill Floyd resigns Decatur City Commission seat.

Decatur Commission sets special election  for March 19.

Q&A with Greg Coleson, Decatur City Commission candidate, Part 1.

Q&A with Scott Drake, Decatur City Commission candidate, Part 1.

Q&A with Greg Coleson, Decatur City Commission candidate, Part 2.

Q&A with Scott Drake, Decatur City Commission candidate, Part 2.