Biography

Scott White: A Fourth-Generation Washingtonian Committed to Family and Community

My great-grandparents settled in Seattle over a century ago and my grandmother was born in a small house in the Ravenna neighborhood in 1909. I remember her telling me stories of how she and her siblings would pick wild blackberries in the rural area between their home and Sand Point, and how 65^th was the first paved street in her neighborhood!

Today, my family and I live in the Wedgwood neighborhood in north Seattle. My wife, Alison, and I are blessed to have a young son and daughter. Alison is the Executive Director of NPower, which is a non-profit organization that provides technology consulting and services to other non-profit organizations in the region. We enjoy walking in our neighborhood and visiting the local Lake City and University District Farmers Markets. However, the blackberries no longer come from Sand Point and all the streets are paved!

A Sincere Commitment to Public Service

I grew up in Thurston County, where I graduated with honors from high school while working at the local hardware store. I worked my way through college and, with the help of student loans, graduated in four years with a degree in political science.

After college I went to work for the State of Washington where I worked on issues such as growth management, health care and the state budget. After a few years of working on state issues in Olympia, I accepted a position with the Metropolitan King County Council in Seattle. While working full-time, I earned my Master of Public Administration degree at night from the University of Washington. I worked my way up through the ranks to be appointed Chief of Staff for the County Council. During my tenure at the Council, I worked on a variety of complex issues, including the budget, civil rights, growth management and community development. I also managed labor relations and government affairs for the Council. After 10 years of service, I was honored by all members of the Council for my “professionalism, integrity… and ability to get things done.” I have also held senior positions in the executive branch of county government where I worked on strategic planning for major county projects, including Transit Oriented Development and the King County Equity and Social Justice Initiative.

In addition to my professional career, I also teach public policy to graduate students part-time at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Affairs, helping to prepare the next generation of civic leaders. As a professional who was educated Kindergarten through Masters Degree in Washington’s public schools and universities, I understand first-hand the importance of an accessible and high-quality public education system. My wife was also educated in Washington’s public schools, and we intend to send our children to Seattle Public Schools.

Community Activism, Volunteerism and Democratic Party Leadership

I am a dedicated community volunteer. I was appointed by Governor Chris Gregoire to serve on the Board of Humanities Washington, which is a statewide organization dedicated to providing humanities programs that nurture creativity, promote dialogue, and spark critical thinking. I served on the Public Policy Committee for United Way of King County, where I worked on policy prioritization and advocacy strategies for the largest United Way organization in the country. I also served as a mentor for participants in City Year, a nationally recognized program that engages young people for a demanding year of full-time community service and leadership development. In 2007, I served on the Steering Committee that helped guide the successful ballot measure Engrossed House Joint Resolution 4204, which now allows school levies to pass with a simple majority vote (50%+1) and provides our children with a fair opportunity to receive needed school funding. In the mid-1990s I worked to help establish EarthCorps, a local environmental organization that restores parks and open spaces while providing leadership and community service experiences for people from across the United States and around the world. I have volunteered with the Municipal League of King County, am a graduate of Leadership Tomorrow and am a member of my local Wedgwood Community Council.

For five years (2003-2007) I served as chair of the local 46th District Democrats, where I led the organization through a period of tremendous growth, modernization and increased grassroots activism. In recognition of my leadership, I was honored as “Chair of the Year” by the Washington State Democrats and as “Democrat of the Year” by the King County Democrats. I am also past Co-chair of the King County Democratic Legislative Action Committee, where as a Direct Action Organizer I led hundreds of grassroots Democrats to lobby for progressive legislation in Olympia!

Representing the Values of our Neighborhoods in Olympia

As a parent of a young family and a life-long resident of Washington, I care deeply about the future of our great state. As a public service professional and a grassroots activist, I have dedicated my life to addressing important public policy issues in state and local government. As your State Senator, I will work with you and represent you with integrity, professionalism and respect. As your State Senator, I will be our community champion, working hard everyday to ensure that the residents of the 46^th Legislative District have a strong and effective voice in Olympia!