Hendrith Vanlon Smith Jr.

Hendrith Vanlon Smith Jr. was born in Daytona Beach, Florida. He graduated from Potomac High School in 2007 and earned a bachelor's degree from Bethune-Cookman University in 2012. Smith's professional experience includes working as the CEO of Mayflower-Plymouth Capital, LLC. Previously, he worked as an NMLSR mortgage banker and as an author.

As of 2019, Smith was affiliated with the Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of Florida, American Bankers Association, and Heritage Foundation.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was running for Congress but have discontinued that effort. I feel as if my views are too nuanced for the average voter to appreciate and I value taking a holistic approach rather than getting stuck on party labels.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Holistic SolutionsSelf AccountabilityImproved Infrastructure

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Infrastructure, Transportation, & Education.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

My book ‘The Wealth Reference Guide’ gives a lot of insight into my views and beliefs.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Teamwork, cooperation and thinking holistically.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Balancing Unity with Cultural Diversity

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I agree.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes.

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Economic Diversification, Sustainable Development, Employment

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic Diversification, Sustainable Development, Employment

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Marianne Williamson because she has a holistic perspective on leadership and politics.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Basic Economics' by Thomas Sowell

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Courage, Empathy, A Get it done attitude

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Courage, Empathy, A Get it done attitude

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Present, Pass, Sponsor and Vote on Bills that will help my constituents prosper.

What legacy would you like to leave?

to make Floridas 9th congressional district, and central florida more broadly, a more prosperous place to live and raise a family.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Theory of Moral Sentiments' by Adam Smith because he illustrates the intimate connections between human social functioning, economics, and politics.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My garden - because it teaches a lot about economics actually. a good economy functions similarly to a healthy garden. You'll see themes of reciprocity, growth, and balance in each.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Cory Asbury - Reckless Love

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

We need to facilitate more reciprocity in our economy and we need to get serious about sustainable development. Also, due to our changing demographics, we need to begin initiatives that foster more dialogue and compassion between the various races and ethnicities we have here. We are one nation, and as Lincoln said "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Budget, Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Science Space Technology, Ways and Means

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I agree.

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What is your political philosophy?

Conservative Democrat who places major emphasis on economics. Running for office because Central Florida's economy presently is too dependent on tourism and desperately needs to diversify. Our dependency on tourism is unsustainable and its time to start expanding other industries in the area and diversifying our economic mix.[3]

—Hendrith Smith[2]

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