By Tracy Overstreet
tracy.overstreet@theindependent.com

Scott Dugan, 37, of 4059 Indianhead Drive has filed for the Ward 2 seat currently held by Councilman Tom Brown.

"I have always had an interest in government at all levels," Dugan said. "At this point, I think the time is right for me to get involved."

Dugan applied to be appointed to the Ward 2 seat at the same time Brown did earlier this year. Brown was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Ward 2 Councilwoman Margaret Hornady after she was elected mayor last December.

Dugan said his intention then was to file for election to the seat as well.

He said Grand Island is a great community, but he would like to see more done to encourage future business development and not just retail business.

Specifically, he'd like more done to fill empty buildings around town.

"There's the empty Albertson's building, the empty SunMart and empty space in the Grand Island Mall," Dugan said. "What are we doing to reuse the buildings instead of approving permits to build new buildings like Hy-Vee?"

Dugan said new buildings are important, but filling empty spaces is also important.

He's also interested in supporting family-friendly activities.

"The city council has been slow on the Stolley Park project," Dugan said. "There's a lot of space there unused."

The children's zoo was closed and plans were made for how the Stolley Park land could be redeveloped. For various reasons, it hasn't all happened, Dugan said.

Dugan has a bachelor's degree in political science from Miami University in Ohio and a master of business administration degree from Almeda, an online program.

He and his wife, Tammy, have two children an 11-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter.

Dugan announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Mid-Plains Center for a private business venture at the end of 2008. However, he said on Monday that plan has changed.

"I'm here for the foreseeable future," Dugan said. "I'll be staying on at Mid-Plains."