Bradley County Trustee Mike Smith announced his candidacy for re-election subject to the May 2014 Republican primary.
Mr. Smith said, ”I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the citizens of Bradley County as County Trustee. I look forward to assisting the citizens in the future with the numerous partial payment plans and the additional programs that the Trustee’s Office administers.”
Prior to being elected, Trustee Smith served 16 years as a county commissioner. During his tenure as commissioner, he served as chairman for four years, vice-chairman and on several committees, including Finance.
Since being elected as trustee, Mr. Smith has been selected as East Tennessee Trustee of the year in 2009 and 2013. Mr. Smith currently serves as president of the East Tennessee Trustee’s Association and served as secretary of the Tennessee Trustee’s Association of Tennessee in 2012.
Mr. Smith said, ”In 2006 I created an investment committee compiled of certified financial advisors to advise the best methods for county investments. The results have been outstanding. I would like to publicly thank William “Buster” Stuart, Gary McDonald and Roger Fuller for their service to Bradley County. Working with the Bradley County Commission, I requested and submitted a change to Bradley County’s investment policy. The changing of the investment policy in 2007 has resulted in an increase of $4,165,550 above what the previous policy would have yielded.
“To assist taxpayers in difficult times, we have met their request to pay taxes in partial payments. The partial payment programs have been very popular and we look forward to continuing the programs in the future. The satellite tax collection locations each February have allowed citizens to pay their taxes in their neighborhoods, eliminating the need to come to the courthouse. This collection program continues to be beneficial to the citizens and will continue. In the fall of 2014, we will begin sending tax statements by email to citizens that have provided email addresses over the last two years. All other tax statements will continue to be mailed. As more taxpayers request their statements by email, Bradley County will see reduced operating cost.”
In 2007, Mr. Smith received the designation of Certified Public Administrator from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In 2009, he completed the Local Government Leadership Program from The University of Tennessee.
He said, "As I stated in 2006, I will operate the Trustee’s Office in the most efficient, cost effective methods possible. We have shown the commitment of providing the customer service Bradley County citizens deserve, combined with cost effective practices.
"I humbly ask for your support and pledge to work daily for the benefit of all Bradley County citizens."
Mr. Smith and his wife Debbie’s family consist of Stacy, Summer, Dustin, Henley, Autumn, Ashlynn, along with his mother, Virginia.