Mr. Scales is a member of the Hamilton Board of Education, and a freshman Global Studies and Political Science Major at Rider University.
CDNJ: Tell us about how you got interested in politics. What made you decide to pursue it as a profession?
CS: What inspired me to follow a path of public service was my father’s passion and commitment towards helping others. My father was a member of the New Jersey State Police, and woke up every morning eager to get out on the road and head to work. Unfortunately, his life was cut short on December 3, 2002, when he was killed in the Line of Duty after being struck by a tanker truck on the New Jersey Turnpike. After his death, countless community members, friends, and coworkers of his, shared with me stories of my father, which led me to the realization that I needed to pick up from where he left off, inspiring me to get involved in our political process and to serve my community. After serving three years as a non-voting member of the Hamilton Township school board, I felt thaat I could offer more to the district and community if I became an official voting member of the board. Three weeks before I graduated from high school, I filed my nominating petition to appear on the November 2014 ballot.
CDNJ: Which accomplishment are you most proud of?
CS: The accomplishment that I am most proud of is successfully running my own campaign for a seat on the Hamilton Township school board at the age of eighteen, as well as, the work that I continue to do every day to ensure that the students in Hamilton receive the best education possible. I made a promise to the people of Hamilton that I would serve with integrity, and use my best judgment when it came time to vote. I am proud to say that I kept my word. No matter how difficult the vote may be, I base my decision not on politics, but what is in the best interests of the students. I am blessed with the opportunity to serve, and thankful to the people of Hamilton for their hope and confidence in me.
CDNJ: Most College Democrats' members plan on remaining active in politics and government after college. What would you tell students who are planning to enter the world of public service?
CS: For those who plan on entering the world of public service, I encourage them to reach out and listen to those who have dedicated their lives to it. It was Albert Einstein who said, “The only source of knowledge is experience,” because learning is a lifelong pursuit, and must rely on history and the lessons taught in the past, before we can craft our own destiny.
CDNJ: How have you found meaning through your political work?
CS: I spend a lot of time talking to students and parents, whether it be at a school function, or just around Hamilton, and when they personally thank me for speaking out against something, voting a certain way, or just my dedication to the school district, it is very humbling.
CDNJ: What's on your music playlist?
CS: My music playlist is rather small, consisting of mostly classic rock, but I do have to admit, I would much rather dive into a good book than listen to music!
CDNJ: What is your favorite place to hang out?
CS: I truly do not have much free time between school, work, and my school board duties, but if I need to meet with someone, or vice-versa, I always do it at one of the diners in Hamilton.
CDNJ: Starbucks or Dunkin?
CS: Dunkin!
CDNJ: Tell us about how you got interested in politics. What made you decide to pursue it as a profession?
CS: What inspired me to follow a path of public service was my father’s passion and commitment towards helping others. My father was a member of the New Jersey State Police, and woke up every morning eager to get out on the road and head to work. Unfortunately, his life was cut short on December 3, 2002, when he was killed in the Line of Duty after being struck by a tanker truck on the New Jersey Turnpike. After his death, countless community members, friends, and coworkers of his, shared with me stories of my father, which led me to the realization that I needed to pick up from where he left off, inspiring me to get involved in our political process and to serve my community. After serving three years as a non-voting member of the Hamilton Township school board, I felt thaat I could offer more to the district and community if I became an official voting member of the board. Three weeks before I graduated from high school, I filed my nominating petition to appear on the November 2014 ballot.
CDNJ: Which accomplishment are you most proud of?
CS: The accomplishment that I am most proud of is successfully running my own campaign for a seat on the Hamilton Township school board at the age of eighteen, as well as, the work that I continue to do every day to ensure that the students in Hamilton receive the best education possible. I made a promise to the people of Hamilton that I would serve with integrity, and use my best judgment when it came time to vote. I am proud to say that I kept my word. No matter how difficult the vote may be, I base my decision not on politics, but what is in the best interests of the students. I am blessed with the opportunity to serve, and thankful to the people of Hamilton for their hope and confidence in me.
CDNJ: Most College Democrats' members plan on remaining active in politics and government after college. What would you tell students who are planning to enter the world of public service?
CS: For those who plan on entering the world of public service, I encourage them to reach out and listen to those who have dedicated their lives to it. It was Albert Einstein who said, “The only source of knowledge is experience,” because learning is a lifelong pursuit, and must rely on history and the lessons taught in the past, before we can craft our own destiny.
CDNJ: How have you found meaning through your political work?
CS: I spend a lot of time talking to students and parents, whether it be at a school function, or just around Hamilton, and when they personally thank me for speaking out against something, voting a certain way, or just my dedication to the school district, it is very humbling.
CDNJ: What's on your music playlist?
CS: My music playlist is rather small, consisting of mostly classic rock, but I do have to admit, I would much rather dive into a good book than listen to music!
CDNJ: What is your favorite place to hang out?
CS: I truly do not have much free time between school, work, and my school board duties, but if I need to meet with someone, or vice-versa, I always do it at one of the diners in Hamilton.
CDNJ: Starbucks or Dunkin?
CS: Dunkin!
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