By Shakira Ericksen
Special to the Highline Times

Councilmember Carmen Scott announced that she has cancelled her candidacy and will not be running for re-election at last Thursday’s Des Moines City Council meeting.

Scott has been a life-long resident of Des Moines. She’s been serving on the City council since 2006. Earlier, Scott served a brief term from 1988-1991.

“I had totally unexpected medical issues come up in the last few days which alarmed my family and brought on a lot of tests,” she said.
Scott said that although she is undergoing tests they are so far inconclusive.

“I thought a lot about it, I love the challenge of it (being on the City Council.)” she said. “I guess I wound up, after listening to the doctor, realizing that I’m pushing myself too hard. I would have really liked to continue.”

Scott said that she has had a meeting with her opponent.

“After talking with him I felt comfortable that he would do a good job, or I wouldn’t have dropped out,” she said.

Scott said that one of the greatest challenges has been the recession and what it’s taken for the city to accomplish necessities let alone projects they were focusing on.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work to keep things moving along,” said recalled. “I think of the one best things that’s happened is the Farmer’s Market.”

Scott said that the Farmer’s Market is making Des Moines well known to people in a positive way.

“It’s marvelous, I’d encourage anyone to visit it, it starts June 1,” she said.

“I would like very much for those people who have supported and encouraged me to know how much I appreciate what they have done,” Scott concluded. “I love a challenge; I wish I could stay.”