He’s been sitting at the center of the Wilton Manors city commission dais for years. Now he wants to slide over a seat or two. Mayor Scott Newton is running for a seat on the city commission, saying he has a lot left to offer the city, specifically his institutional knowledge at a granular level.

Newton cites Fort Lauderdale’s markup in water costs, repairing sewer lines and leaking pipes (which are environmental hazards), and clean water. “Those things are boring. People don’t see it but when you flush that toilet it works.”

Strong infrastructure is a prerequisite to increasing density and a long-stagnant population which has hovered around 12,500 for at least 20 years.

“Residents don’t want big buildings, I get it,” he said, acknowledging the balancing act of making city height and density limits financially friendly for developers while increasing the tax base.

“It goes back to how much are we charging? What will taxes be?”

He notes the 50-unit development at NE 15th Ave. and NE 26th St., which is well under construction, and the proposed development on the vacant lot at Alibi Plaza, which is at least three years away.

Deciding to run for a commission seat, as opposed to a new term as mayor, was a family decision and came down to his love of the city. “I enjoy doing what I do for Wilton Manors. I enjoy helping people, I enjoy making sure my community is safe from our governor, and I’m an advocate for the LGBTQ community.”

Newton also believes his responsiveness to citizens is a long-standing strength. “I’ve changed my mind several times on things I’d like to see. The community comes out and says they’d rather see x, not y, and I voted that way. My job is to listen to the people.”