Scott Wager for Broome County Legislature

Scott Wager’s life has been shaped by family, hard work, and a deep love for community.

Scott was adopted by a loving family in a small town with fewer than 350 residents called Burdett, NY. Scott and his family lived in a modest, single-wide trailer and were no strangers to ketchup sandwiches. He spent much of his childhood at his grandfather, Beattie Dean’s, farm. Scott would help his grandfather manage his three farms and large flock of sheep. Whether loading hay into the barn, mowing lawns, or tending a large vegetable garden, he never thought of it as work. The days on the farm taught him the true value of a day’s work. Those were some of the happiest days of his life: working side by side with his grandfather, listening to stories about family, faith, and perseverance. He would tell Scott stories about how he would take horseback to his one-room schoolhouse or how he was offered a tryout with a Minor League Baseball team, but declined so he could stay home to support his family. Over freshly baked cookies, Mary, Scott’s grandmother, would tell stories of the 1929 stock market crash, which she was in the middle of during her training to become a nurse in New York City. The parallels between the financial struggles then and what Broome County is facing now are startling. Those early lessons in responsibility, humility, and service still guide him today.

His father, Robert “Bob” Wager, was raised in Watkins Glen, NY, and left high school early to help support his family before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He spent most of his career making asphalt at General Crushed Stone in Lansing, embodying the blue-collar work ethic that Scott proudly carries forward. His mother, Linda Dean Wager of Burdett, graduated from Odessa-Montour Central School and Jean Summers Business School. She worked in bookkeeping and other roles, but considered her most important job to be caring for her family and her elderly parents: an example of selflessness that left a lasting impression on Scott.

Scott graduated from Odessa-Montour Central School, earning a Regents Diploma. He was active in Jazz Band, Marching Band, Concert Band, Literary Club, and performed in his senior play, Fiddler on the Roof. His love of music began even earlier when he picked up the trumpet in third grade. Scott has even played Taps at the funerals of local veterans when he was growing up. 

He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in History from SUNY Cortland. As a product of public education, Scott learned the importance of accessible and affordable higher education. While in college, Scott served as a DJ and board member for the WSUC student radio station and volunteered with NYPIRG’s “Get Out the Vote” campaigns.

It was at SUNY Cortland that Scott met the love of his life, Jeanne. After getting married, they built their life in Broome County, living in Endwell and Endicott before settling in Vestal nearly thirty years ago. Two months after purchasing their home, they welcomed their first son, Zachary, and a few years later, Cole. They were attracted to Vestal due to the exemplary public school system, safe neighborhoods, and a plethora of public parks and spaces.

Jeanne, a graduate of Cortland High School and SUNY Broome, earned her nursing degree and later completed a Bachelor of Science from Regis University in Colorado. She currently works as a case manager at United Health Services. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and kayaking, and has been Scott’s partner in every step of their journey.

Professionally, Scott has built a diverse career grounded in reliability, leadership, and Union membership. He worked for fourteen years with RGIS Inventory Specialists, managed Manley’s BP Marts, was a union member for the UFCW Local One, and spent five years as an Assistant Manager at the Edge Sports Complex. 

Scott’s commitment to service extends throughout the community. He has served as President of the Paul Cannon Memorial Bowling League, coached and held board positions in Vestal Junior Team Tennis, Vestal Little League, Vestal Teener Baseball League (VTBL), and multiple travel baseball organizations. He directed the VTBL “Battle on the Hill” fundraiser tournament and is a supporter of the Disabled American Veterans and the American Lung Association.

Scott Wager believes that Broome County deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic. Guided by the lessons of his parents and grandparents, strengthened by decades of community involvement, and supported by his family, Scott is ready to bring practical experience and small-town values to the Broome County Legislature.

Join Scott in the fight for Broome’s future: one that supports all working families across Broome.