Neil Smith

Neil Smith was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He served in the U.S. Navy from 2002 to 2011. Smith earned a bachelor's degree from Excelsior College in 2019. His career experience includes working as a mechanical engineering technician.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

US Navy veteran of 8 years currently working as a federal contractor. Born and raised in New Jersey, the oldest of three children. Bachelors of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Excelsior College. Currently working towards a Masters of Engineering in Systems Engineering.

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?

I will ensure transparency, especially regarding actions I take in Congress. I will explain my decisions.Equality! There is no reason anyone should be treated as lesser than another. I want to help ensure this becomes a reality rather than just talking points.Fix what is broken. Get rid of what is unnecessary. Work FOR the people, not against.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, especially mental health is a major issue for me. Education is important to me, especially with several teachers in my family. There are many different issues I want to tackle. In the end it comes down to equality for all and representing everyone in my district, as well as the country, to the best of my ability.

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

Before he passed away, I looked up to my father. He was a man who would do just about anything for people. He constantly worked holidays to allow others to spend time with their families, despite having his own three children and a wife at home. I strive to be as good a man as he was and to do things that I know he would be proud of.

While it may seem cheesy, I like the example that Captain America sets within the MCU. He is about doing the right thing even if the whole world is against you.

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

Honesty, transparency, open mindedness.

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

I believe in doing the right thing and admitting errors. I like others to know what I am doing and why I am doing something. That is what I will take with me into the House.

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

Represent the people. Remember who elected you and why. Keep the people informed. Fight for what is right and stand like a rock.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to simply be someone that people, regardless of political affiliations, agree did the best possible to represent them and do what was right.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember watching the O.J. Simpson car chase. I would have been 10 at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked as a lifeguard at a campground in New Jersey. I think I worked there four years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I like a few different book series:

Prey Series and Virgil Flowers Series by John Sandford

The Night Angel Trilogy and the Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Captain America, of course.

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

This Is What You Came For by Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna. I don't know why.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

A representative only is elected for two years. In order to be re-elected one must be able to do their job effectively and efficiently. That is not seen elsewhere in politics.

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

I believe it is beneficial to have knowledge of politics, and to be involved. I do not believe that one must have experience in government or politics. Knowledge goes a long way.

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

Ensuring we stay UNITED. There is a growing number of people who dismiss information or spread misinformation. This is seen nearly everywhere, especially in government. Most legislation is passed simply because of one party being in the majority. Common sense and human decency have taken a backseat, or fell off the truck. I think there is a lot of work to be done so the schism can be repaired.

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

Committees involving veterans and defense would be ideal for me.

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

Yes, although I could make a case for longer terms. A change in term lengths for representatives would also require a change for senators, in my opinion. I think that swapping the term lengths could be beneficial, but for now I think it is good.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I feel that term limits are a good thing. It allows more people to get into politics without having to fight established incumbents. We need to get younger in government and more diverse. While it is starting to happen, it could be so much faster if there were not career congressmen/congresswomen.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No. I want to be my own person and represent the people to the best of my ability.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

No, not as I am conducting this survey.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I can't. Any joke that I remember is either not acceptable on this platform or no longer acceptable at all. Or it is dumb.

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

To take a partial line from Captain America: Civil War, "Compromise where you can. Where you can't don't..." I fully believe this, as well as the rest of the quote.

Basically, it is necessary to be capable of compromise. However, it is also necessary to know when NOT to compromise. As Thomas Jefferson said, "In matters of style, swim with the current, in matters of principle, stand like a rock."

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

It is a major role. The national debt is out of control. We have a debt-to-GDP ratio of 126% and that will be closer to 200% by 2026! We need to increase revenue and reduce spending. This is one area that should be near the top of all congress members lists.

Neil Smith did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2021 Candidate Connection survey.

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