So, Tim Boyd forgot to pay his sewer bill. Well, I guess that's not a big deal, many of us do it. I'm pretty sure I've missed one or two bills in my lifetime. I think the more important thing to take note of is how many times has Commissioner Boyd forgotten about the constituents in District 8 in his quest to govern. A few too many times, In my mind.
He has become known for operating on his own ideas concerning a situation rather than seeking the advice of the able staff of our Hamilton County government, often publicly ridiculing them while the commission is in session.
So much so that it has become public knowledge that his fellow commissioners are beginning to refuse to work with him. This does not bode well for District 8.
Each and every commissioner must rely on their fellow commissioners to get things done in their own district. Without that support a district will soon suffer. District 8 deserves better than this.
However, there is a candidate, a man, ready, willing and able to step in and lead not only District 8, but the entire county. That man is my friend Kenny Smith. We grew up together in East Lake. Kenny is a few years older than me so I always looked up to him. I trusted him because I knew he would do the right thing. On the ball field I tried to emulate him because he was good. Kenny always took care of the lesser players and taught us how to play – to play not only better, but to play with integrity and fairness and most of all, to enjoy the game whether it was baseball, basketball or pick-up football on a Sunday afternoon in the park.
Kenny still has those qualities today. He has an urgency to take care of the people, not only of District 8, but of Hamilton County as a whole. He will mentor and lead those who need direction in making a contribution to our county. Once you deal with Kenny, your integrity and sense of fairness seem to take hold and grow as he always inspires those attributes in people he deals with.
Kenny Smith lives and breathes the need for education, all kinds of education. His opponent does not. Kenny served admirably as the School Board chairman. With Kenny it was, and is, all about the children and what we can do for them. Kenny has made a career out of training men and women to become an electrician. And he has done it well. The Electrical Training Center is expanding, even now.
Kenny wants the same for our school system. For years he has seen the need for a vocational school to take the place of the now gone Kirkman High. There are students out there who do not want to go to a university or college. But, they have talents our community needs. Talents such as welding, car repair, electrical, carpentry, or a beautician like my own mother who learned that trade as a Golden Hawk, and the list goes on. Kenny has seen that need and will work hard to make a vocational high school once again a reality.
Kenny Smith pays attention to the things that are big and small – even his sewer bill. Friends, I can offer no higher endorsement than the one I give my friend from East Lake. Kenny is honorable and trustworthy. He will serve with dignity and care of each and everyone one of his constituents. He is open and approachable. Kenny is a loving husband, a great dad and brother. Most of all, Kenny is a good Christian man. We were both baptized at the old East Lake Baptist. He comes from a Christian family – I know them all.
With all this in mind, don’t you see where Kenny Smith has to be the choice for District 8 Commissioner? Let’s replace sometimes questionable governance with good, solid leadership that is well thought out and in our best interests. Join me, a Republican, in voting for Kenny Smith for District 8 Commissioner.