Who has the determination of a Bengal tiger, the ambition to have an element named after him and the willingness to be the mayor of Bexley?
Scott Weinblatt does.
Unlike some seniors, Scott Weinblatt has more than Chipotle and graduation on his mind. When this senior heard that Mayor David Madison was not running for re-election, he was inspired to fill the position.
“I just thought it could be something I could do,” Weinblatt said. However, Weinblatt’s age creates skepticism about his ability to do the job. “I like Scott as a person, but I’m not sure if I see him as mayor because I’m not sure how seriously he’s taking it,” senior Molly Gudmundson said.
Doubts about his age and experience are quickly countered by Weinblatt’s zeal for the job.
“You can look at it as having the enthusiasm of a young candidate,” Weinblatt said. “I would want to get to what needs to be done and do it.”
Math teacher Mark Hayman said that he thinks that Scott embodies characteristics necessary to be mayor including being reliable and hardworking.
Science teacher Jack Minot looks past the age barrier to Weinblatt’s skills.
“I wouldn’t look at age, but qualifications. If he was the most qualified, I would vote for him.” Minot said.
Hayman agreed that age should not be a determining factor.
“I think Weinblatt is capable but needs people around that are more experienced to advise [him],” Hayman said.
Gudmundson thinks that experience is more important than credentials.
“In general, I don’t think people of 18 years have enough experience to run a city,” Gudmundson said.
Weinblatt is hoping that his age will garner him more support from younger voters.
“I want to get the 18-year-olds active in politics,” Weinblatt said. “Just by running, I have registered over 50 new constituents, and by doing that I have made it easier for their voices to be heard and play a more active role in their government.”
Many of Weinblatt’s proposed policies center around the safety and character-building of teenagers. Weinblatt wants to increase the budget for volunteering programs to help increase leadership and decrease bullying.
Though Weinblatt has ambitious intentions, Gudmundson wonders if he will be taken seriously in a political setting.
“City council would have a hard time accepting someone so inexperienced, so I think Scott would have a really hard time getting things done,” Gudmundson said.
However, Weinblatt is resilient.
“I will never give up,” Weinblatt said. “I want to make [a] difference to better the community and voice my opinions.”
Weinblatt feels positive about his chance for election.
“I think I have an equal chance to anyone else on the ballot,” Weinblatt said.
Hayman agrees.
“I think it’s possible that he could be elected,” Hayman said.
Minot also admires Weinblatt’s drive.
“More power to him,” Minot said.
