Scott Schlosser, a veteran photographer for MorristownGreen.com, seized the moment Thursday while accepting an award from the Morris County Probation Division to announce his candidacy for mayor of Morristown.
Relax, Tim.
Schlosser, 20, said he will be ready for the job sometime around 2034.
“It’s my calling in life,” he said after accepting a Courthouse Kudos commendation for his performance as a volunteer intern for the probation division. One day, he said, he envisions the certificate framed above his desk in the mayor’s office.
Speaking to judges, administrators and co-workers in what may go down as one of the great award speeches ever, Schlosser displayed the sharp critical eye required of public servants.
When Chief Probation Officer Jonathan Bell called him into his office to inform him of the honor, Schlosser recounted, “I thought Jon was going to ask me to leave, because the numbers were down so much.”
Schlosser even volunteered to take one for the team, offering to step down because “I’m probably bad luck.”
But his colleagues would hear none of that; on Thursday they started lobbying for the division to triple the salary of the unpaid intern.
[Schlosser’s speech starts just before the 2:00 mark in the video; it picks up steam and is highly recommended viewing.]
“We’re looking forward to having him here for a long time,” said Bell, who was joined at the ceremony by Morris County Assignment Judge Thomas Weisenbeck, Family Court Judge Maritza Berdote Byrne, Trial Court Adminstrator Rashad Shabaka-Burns and Assistant Chief Probation Officer Mark Hengemuhle.
In addition to his stints for Morristown Green and the Probation Division, Schlosser works at the Hyatt Morristown. He also has volunteered for the Morris County Tourism Bureau and the Morristown Partnership.
Courthouse Human Resources Supervisor Leslie Darcy described Schlosser as a “refreshing and charming addition to our cadre of young interns.”
Schlosser’s “always-positive, upbeat and professional attitude and demeanor” sets him apart, and inspires similar attitudes in the staff, Darcy said. She rattled off a host of qualities that certainly sound mayoral: Empathy, understanding, eagerness to learn.
Already, Schlosser–Scotty to his friends– is exhibiting leadership tendencies and a penchant for speaking his mind.
“He tells me what to do,” said his supervisor, Marilyn Miller.
Diana Fonseca, another probation supervisor, recently took Schlosser to a court proceeding. As they were walking back to her office, Schlosser turned to someone and observed:
“She talks so fast, I think the judge gives her whatever she wants!”
Thank you to everyone.
Scott,
Loved the article
Look forward to seeing you in Florida
Scott
We are so proud of you! You will certainly do whatever you set your mind to.
Love from your Florida Cousins
Daryn, Art, Jillian & Matt
Thank you, everyone
Scott makes a good impression every where he goes. Congratulations to the whole Schlosser family.
I enjoyed every single day I had Scott as my intern at Alexis Grace Consignment. I miss him and so do my customers and consignors. He made a huge impact in the short time he was here. I am not surprised he received this award and that he is shaking things up. SCOTT for 2034!!
As a very proud parent, I take no credit. Scott is a self made man. With a tremendous amount of mentoring from Kevin.
Who knows how to do a kickstarter? I say let Scott keep doing what he’s doing for the town, do more, and get paid for it. If the town pays half we pay the other half. I’ll kick in $1000. I’ve only really seen Scott in action once, and that was around my picnic table at a neighborhood dinner, but I was so taken with him. When I read this article in MG, I thought: what a good fit for us all to have Scott working for the town in this kind of multiple hat wearing role. Great investment. I’m in. Somebody else launch it please?
Thank you to everyone
They’re laughing now, but just wait!
How great to have an early calling, and camly add it to you list of “things to do.”
Possibly my favorite article I’ve ever read.
Scotty,
Congratulations on your award!!! I am happy to see that you have identified yourself as a future leader on the Morristown political scene. I look forward to following your career.
Warm wishes
Marie