About Scott

Scott Wiggam was elected to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners in November 2004. Since taking office he has worked towards a limited, more effective local government and has fulfilled his promises to the people of Wayne County through economic development initiatives, pro-agricultural policies and conservative values.

Collegiate, Professional & Military Career
Prior to his tenure as commissioner, Scott owned and operated a restaurant managing full time, day-to-day operations with over 20 employees. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Theology from Asbury College and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Akron. Scott also served as a lead legislative associate to the U.S. House of Representatives for the Christian Coalition of America, Inc. where he fought for policies that strengthen the family and return Christian principles to the public square. Scott also served a four year, active duty tour in the United States Air Force and was honored with an Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service.

Committed to Conservative Values
Since taking office, Commissioner Wiggam implemented conservative fiscal management policies that have helped to avert the need for tax increases. When sales taxes were last increased in 1993, local government spending grew an average of over 7% each year until 2005, despite average family incomes growing by only 3 percent. Since taking office in 2005, Scott has worked towards keeping expenditures from increasing. Commissioner Wiggam believes that keeping money in the pockets of the people is better for economic growth than higher taxes and rapid government growth.

Quality Economic Development for Wayne County
Commissioner Wiggam currently serves on the Wayne Economic Development Council and on the Joint Office of Economic Development for Northeast Ohio. Wiggam fulfilled a campaign promise by forming a task force of representatives from Wayne County businesses in order to create a more business-friendly environment within local government policy. From input of the task force, Commissioner Wiggam successfully authored the county’s Enterprise Zone Guideline update which encourages local and new business growth and investment, helping to create more, higher paying jobs in Wayne County. Regionally, Commissioner Wiggam has supported the Fund for Our Economic Future to ensure that Wayne County’s Business and agricultural interests are well represented in Northeast Ohio.

Continued Support to Our Agricultural Base
Commissioner Wiggam worked to help implement the county’s Agricultural Security Areas (ASAs) policy which helps farmers protect their assets and increase their financial bottom line. Wayne County was the state’s second county to adopt ASAs and currently there are several farms with over 1,500 acres applying for this designation. Commissioner Wiggam serves on the county’s Agricultural Success Team and has supported their mission of removing obstacles and seeking solutions in order to increase agricultural profits.

Increasing Job Skills & Workforce Development
In 2006, Commissioner Wiggam served as the chair for the Work Force Policy (Chief Elected Officials) Board which covers Wayne, Holmes and Ashland County. During this time Wiggam stressed the mission of removing the barriers and helping the underemployed and unemployed gain economic independence. During his tenure, Wiggam worked to find flexibility in state and federal funding in order to enhance job skills and placements at local manufacturers. Commissioner Wiggam recommended Wayne Economic Development Council President, Rod Crider to the Workforce Policy Board in order to increase the connection between individual job skills and local economic development.

Responsibility for the Environment, Infrastructure & Wellness Program
On the environmental front, Commissioner Wiggam serves on the Board of Directors for the Joint Solid Waste Management District (covering Wayne, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties). He has worked to realign district funds in order to increase recycling in Wayne County. Residential recycling alone has grown over 13% since 2004. Wayne County currently leads the District by having the greatest recycling accessibility. Scott has helped to secure over $100,000 from the solid waste district in order to help compost debris in Wooster after the 2006 storm.

In just the first two years of office, Commissioner Wiggam has worked with other local officials to successfully secure over six million dollars in state grants and low interest loans to help rebuild public infrastructure (roads, bridges, water and sewer lines) in Wayne County’s cities, villages and townships. Currently, Scott is the project coordinator for the Chippewa Township water project and the Wooster Township sewer project.

Commissioner Wiggam has helped to implement a Wayne County's wellness program which benefits over 900 local government employees and their families. Statistics have shown that such initiatives have reduced employees' risk of disease and have increased the overall health of the workforce. This experience has help Scott gain understanding in the challenges facing families and businesses today in providing and accessing health care. Scott will continue to work towards removing those barriers. Ultimately the county's wellness program will reduce health care costs and save taxpayer's money.

Community & Faith-Based Involvement
Scott Wiggam is a strong advocate for community involvement and service. He serves on the Wooster Area YMCA Board and is the chair of the Spiritual Life committee. Wiggam is an active member in the County Commissioners Association of Ohio and organized the Association’s 2005 Summer Meeting in Wooster. He is a Triway Soccer Association board member and has coached several youth soccer teams. Wiggam is member of the Wayne County Farm Bureau, the National Rifle Association, The Heritage Foundation and the Ohio Township Association.

During his time in college, Wiggam served in several overseas missionary roles. In 1993, Wiggam traveled to Calcutta India and served in Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying and Home for the Mentally Disabled. He is active in the ministries of the Shreve United Methodist Church where he serves as a member.


Scott & his Family
Scott is married to Katie (Cochran) and they reside in Wooster Township with their three young children, George, age 9, Calvin, age 7 and Lauren age 4.