For the first time in 15 years, the City of Jefferson has a new administrator.

Scott Peterson was hired by the Jefferson City Council this past April to replace Mike Palmer, who retired from the position after 15 years. Peterson spent the last 24 years as the city administrator and clerk in Lake View. He is a Lake View-Auburn High School graduate who has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration, both from Iowa State University.

Peterson says after almost a quarter of a century working for the City of Lake View, he and his wife, Nancy decided that since their children were grown and out of the house that they wanted to make a change in their lives and that Jefferson was a bigger city governmental entity with more responsibility, along with a large volunteerism base and seeing projects through to their completion. 

Peterson talks about how he sees city government and the role that it can play to continue with the progressive development and success the City has already seen.

“My philosophy on government is that the city government can be a good partner in virtually everything, and I’ve learned long time ago that all of the good ideas in society don’t necessarily come from government, they come from lots of other places. But the City can be a positive attribute to making those things happen. And whether the City is a financial partner, or whether we’re a partner in other ways with city labor or other soft costs, or whether it’s just that the City’s going to be a cheerleader to make sure that something happens. I do feel that it’s the City’s role to be out there and to be a good, positive partner.” 

Scott is married to his wife Nancy, they have three adult children and five grandchildren. Scott and Nancy have already moved to Jefferson and Scott officially started as the city administrator on July 8th.