ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. – Scott Morgan, who previously served as Douglas County’s parks and recreation director and assistant county manager, is running for the District 4 Commissioner position. Morgan spoke with the Tribune about why he decided to run, his platform and what he believes he could tackle if he wins the race.
This year’s election is the first time in a long time that the Douglas County Commissioner has had more than one person in the race. Current commissioner, Wesley Rice, decided he would not run for re-election, a move that sparked both Morgan and his opponent, Diane Imbach, to run.
“I had never really thought of running for this position,” said Morgan. He served in Douglas County for nearly 30 years and had postponed his retirement in 2023 to serve as assistant county manager, helping to transition the office. Since his retirement last year, he began a consulting business and founded a nonprofit assisting fractured families, along with helping children who have suffered abuse or neglect.
Rice and others said Morgan would be a great fit. “I realized, you know, I still got tread left on the tires. There’s still more that I could do considering my experience, and I could hit the ground running.”
Morgan lists the Douglas County Senior and Community Center as one of his signature achievements, which was completed in 2014, integrating a preschool, adult day care, public health clinic, fitness center and gym. A decade prior to that, Morgan helped with the creation of the award-winning Kahle Community Center and Gymnasium, which completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
Throughout his career, he facilitated more than $150 million in public works, including the Stateline to Stateline Bikeway, Genoa to Walley’s Vista Trail, the Carson Valley Skateboard Facility and several trail systems. “Nobody has built as much as I have,” said Morgan. Morgan also spoke about how Douglas County was one of the first to do a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service for multi-use park land at Kahle Park.
Morgan’s first listed platform theme on his website is protecting the Lake Tahoe economy, which he’s extremely passionate about. “45% of the property tax, a majority of our sales and room tax—those are generated in Tahoe and enjoyed in the valley. I want to defend Tahoe as it contributes to the economy and that is my primary area of focus.”
He also ties that priority to responsible tourism, protecting the environment and private property rights. Other platform items he has focus on public safety, including emergency wildfire response and evacuation, as well as promoting senior independent living—something he believes resonates with those in the Tahoe Township.
One achievement that hits on many of his platform items was the implementation of the ticketing and towing at Zephyr Cove, which he says transformed the beach back into a family-friendly environment. He commended the visitors’ authority, calling them “one of the best in the country.” Their responsiveness to peak times and pricing also allowed them to share revenue with the schools.
“Creative thinking and building partnerships and solve issues,” said Morgan. “We should not be stopping, we should be solving problems.” After the recent developments with Douglas County’s schools, which have been hurting for revenue, Morgan said that the county can aid with both revenue sharing and advocating on a legislative level for education.
Morgan recognizes that he would sit on several boards through the position, including at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). “I can successfully collaborate with other commissioners, GIDs (general improvement districts), school districts, TRPA and other organizations around Tahoe. We are all a part of the fabric of the south shore.”
He also is interested in producing more workforce housing and transit options through his position—things he recognizes as lacking in Tahoe. “When we first moved here, we used to have neighbors, but we have seen properties get gobbled up for second homes and VHRs (vacation home rentals).”
While Nevada doesn’t have the same incentives for affordable housing as California, Morgan believes the key is to focus on workforce housing, where he hopes to work with state legislature to fund down payment assistance and building. “It’s all about jobs and our workforce. I am determined to see our teachers, our firefighters, our employees throughout the county, to be successful.”
As far as transit, Morgan believes in lowering the barriers for Lake Link and bringing Douglas County’s voice to conversations around transit, which he also believes would support the workforce.
“I am ready to move forward with these priorities on day one,” said Morgan. “These are the things you learn over 30 years of service with this county, from living here and working here. I have a knowledge of development code and finances, and I want to provide information transparently to our residents.”
Morgan prioritizes that transparency in his campaign funds as well, saying that he turned down funds from several organizations. “I may be voting on important issues and I don’t want to be beholden to dollars from someone,” adding that people and organizations must contact him for a conversation before contributing to his campaign.
“Through talking about ideas, vetting those ideas and compromising, we can share a vision and move the ball forward,” said Morgan. “I’ve lived here for a long time and I see things that can be fixed. I believe we can find a way forward.”
To read more on Morgan’s platform and qualifications, you can visit https://www.dc4scottmorgan.com/
