Stephen Smith

Smith earned a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University in 1980, a graduate degree from West Virginia University in 2003, and a graduate degree from Stetson University in 2010. Smith's career experience includes working as an accountant.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Stephen Thomas Smith has lived in this area his entire life. He's watched out-of-state politicians come and go, making promises they cannot fulfill. He believes the answer is a representative who works for the people they represent, not Governor Morrisey in Charleston or the national party in Washington. Independent thought and independent decision-making. That's the kind of leadership Stephen Thomas Smith is committed to bringing, because this community is not just where he is running for office; it is where he's always called home.

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?

State Tax Reform: West Virginia's tax system is riddled with loopholes and exceptions for some, while working people pay more. We need to rethink how we collect taxes to pay for the government services the state provides.Responsible School Choice: Article 12 (section 12-1) of West Virginia's constitution reads “The Legislature shall provide, by general law, for a thorough and efficient system of free schools," which was novel at the time. We must ensure that the schools being given state funds, whether public or private, are adequately meeting the needs of our students. We cannot just write checks and hope for the best.Foster Care Reform: West Virginia's foster care system is fundamentally broken. Kids are not being given adequate opportunities to succeed while the state throws money, including Social Security benefits for orphaned children, at the problem. It is not working.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Tax Reform, Education, Foster Care Reform

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