My name is Arlen Scott Gay. I was born in the Lake Shore Hospital in 1964, raised by my Mother (Linda Freeman Griffin) and Grandmother (Isabell Hogan Freeman) in Downtown White Springs, Florida. I attended Hamilton County Schools all my life. I began at Kay’s Kitty College in 1968, and graduated from Hamilton County High School in 1982.
I worked my way through Lake City Community College and Florida State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1986.
I passed the Certified Public Accountant Exam and have been a CPA since 1994.
My career began with Arthur Young (Ernest & Young), an international CPA firm. I worked in both Audit and Tax Departments. I was hired by a client and have been the Chief Financial Officer for real estate development firm 29 years.
Hamilton County, not unlike small counties all across the United States faces significant fiscal challenges currently, and into the future. I believe the experiences I have had throughout my financial career uniquely qualify me to represent the citizens of District 4, Hamilton County, and the Suwanee River Valley.
Hamilton County does not stand alone. We must work together with our existing local businesses, sources of capital, neighboring City, County, State and Federal legislators and regulators, to create an environment where industry is willing to locate and invest in Hamilton County and the Suwannee River Valley.
The Suwannee River valley is rich in natures wonders. We already have a burgeoning Eco Tourism environment. We have State Parks, Rivers, Streams, Campgrounds, Biking and Hiking Trails. The Suwannee River is known worldwide, made famous by the Song By Stephen Foster. Stephen Foster never saw the Suwanee River, but he put us on the map.
I intend for this website to be a brief introduction to Scott Gay, for those that don’t know me; and a reacquaintance for those of you that I grew up with.
Jamal Sowell, a gentleman with Hamilton County roots, and former President and Chief Executive Officer form Enterprise Florida, gave a speech in August of 2021 at the Hamilton County High School Auditorium. Mr. Sowell said that it is imperative that rural communities attract those that have moved away, to return with their life experiences and resources to facilitate economic growth in rural North Florida communities.
I was taught by my Mother and Grandmother, responsibility and accountability in all that you do. I intend to share those qualities with the citizens of Hamilton County, District 4, As your elected County Commissioner. I appreciate your vote and support. Thank you.