Scott Faughn

Infobox Mayor


name=Scott Faughn
order=
office= Mayor of Poplar Bluff, Missouri
birth_date = 1980
birth_place =
term_start = 2002
term_end = 2005(?)
predecessor =
successor =
party =
website =

Scott Faughn (b. 1980) was elected the youngest mayor in the history of Poplar Bluff, Missouri at the age of 22. Faughn was elected in 2002 on a platform of supporting police and firefighters, improving strained relations with county utility boards, and building a four lane highway 67 to Poplar Bluff.

Mayorship

Faughn's tenure as mayor is regarded as one of the most successful in Poplar Bluff history.fact|date=May 2008 During lean budget years, the city prospered and gave raises to all city employees while increasing the police force. Faughn's tenure was also marked by glowing coverage by the typically highly critical local newspaper, which some say gives a very biased view of his accomplishments as mayor. He was also noted for his very aggressive tactics in dealing with other city council members and political opponents. However, he did host weekly "office hours" at city hall for the public to bring concerns to bear.

In 2004 Faughn left the mayor's office to become executive vice president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. During a brief tenure leading the Chamber of Commerce, Faughn set records for membership and led efforts to salvage the expansion of the Nordyne project adding over 400 jobs to the local economy. His tenure as Chamber executive was noted by his flamboyant tactic to promote the Chamber. Faughn left less than a year later in a dispute with board members over management styles.

Highway 67

In early 2002 the thought of building highway 67 was not on anyone's radar screen. When the idea was first floated most thought it was laughable and Faughn was roundly criticized for aggressive tactics in promoting the idea. However, Faughn worked with surrounding cities and counties to begin a highway 67 coalition to promote the road in both Missouri and Arkansas. After years of work and effort in December 2004 the Missouri Department of Transportation voted unanimously to fund the project pending approval of a bond measure by the city of Poplar Bluff. The city who once scorned the idea voted to approve the measure by a two to one margin. The project broke ground in November 2005 and is expected to be completed by 2010.

Downfall

A local bank leaked bank records showing, which led to Faughn being indicted on four felony charges of forgery of the name of Faughn's ex-wife's cousin in stealing funds from a highway 67 related account. The trial is still pending.Fact|date=February 2007

ee also

* List of the youngest mayors in the United States
* Youth rights
* Youth politics

References

* [http://poplarbluff.org/news/fivepointplan.html Mayor Announces Five Point Plan]
* [http://www.960kzim.com/Default.aspx?tabid=39&mid=1351&ctl=Details&ItemID=3886 A fall trial date is set for Scott Faughn]
* [http://www.semissourian.com/story/150103.html House committee hears four-lane needs in Poplar Bluff]