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James Scavotto

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James Scavotto
38th Mayor of Seattle
In office
April 13, 1938 – April 27, 1938
Preceded byJohn F. Dore
Succeeded byArthur B. Langlie
Personal details
Born
James Scavotto

1891 (Date Uncertain)
St. Louis, Missouri
DiedFebruary 24, 1950(1950-02-24) (aged 59)
Seattle, Washington

James Scavotto (1891 – February 24, 1950) was an American politician who served six terms on the Seattle City Council[1] and one very brief term as Mayor of Seattle, replacing John F. Dore who resigned due to rapidly failing health.

On Council

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First elected to council under the banner of reform, Scavotto backed several initiatives as a councilmember, including a $3 minimum wage, mandatory meat inspections, an end to "secret" Council meetings, and expansion of streetcar lines.

His first term in particular also included being involved in a fistfight at City Hall, as well as an incident wherein an unidentified "youth" fired eight pistol rounds into his automobile.[2]

As Mayor

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During his brief term as mayor, he was convinced by Association of Washington Cities representative and later first head of the Seattle Housing Authority Jesse Epstein to establish a "civic committee to make plans for a federal-aid housing program."[3]

Personal Life

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Orphaned at age seven, Scavotto spent his next four years in an orphanage, attending school only through the eighth grade. His relocation to Seattle was prompted by a visit to see his brother-in law; his first place of employment in the city was at the Pike Place Market.

Upon his death, the Seattle City Council passed a resolution declaring his loss "a loss to the entire city" and praising his years of service.

James Scavotto was survived by his wife Rose, their two sons, and their grandchildren.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Scavotto, James". ourcampaigns.com. March 30, 2006. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Caldirola, Dennis (June 2020). "James Scavotto, ICoS 6th President (1929)" (PDF). italianclubofseattle.org. Retrieved May 2, 2024.