Steve Woodsmall

Steve Woodsmall lives in North Carolina. Woodsmall’s career experience includes working as a commander, executive officer, and management consultant in the Air Force. He worked as a government contractor for the Federal Aviation Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Steve enlisted in the US Air Force in 1975 and retired as a Major. He held several command positions and was selected as Company Grade Officer of the Year and Outstanding Airman of the Year.

He was a Jaycees "Outstanding Young Men of America" in 1983 and 1988. He holds a master's degree in Business Administration and a PhD in Organization and Management, has published academic papers, and authored the book, "It Beats Eatin' Lizards-Lessons in Life and Leadership."

Following his Air Force retirement, Steve served at the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Aviation Administration, in corporate leadership, a community action agency, and taught college including graduate courses for Forbes School of Business. He's active in his community, previously serving as Executive Director for VISION Transylvania leadership program, member of the Transylvania County Planning Board, and board of directors for Brevard Little Theatre, also performing in numerous productions. He's conducted seminars for the Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Transylvania County NAACP, has volunteered at Schenk Job Corps, and is active in Moms Demand Action and Be SMART groups.

He's a former NCAA women's college and AAU National basketball official, currently officiating North Carolina high school.

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 believe in overturning the Citizens United decision. It's time to get dark money and unlimited corporate funds out of our electoral process.I support common sense gun regulation. Gun safety is not a 2nd Amendment issue, it is a public safety issue. Quality healthcare and affordable prescription drugs are a basic human right for everyone, especially our veterans. I support single-payer universal healthcare.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Climate change

Fair and equal treatment for all human beings regardless of nationality, ethnic origin, color, religion, language, sexual orientation, gender identification, or any other status.

A simpler, fair tax code to level the playing field for all Americans and a living wage.

Actual checks and balances in our government to hold all of our elected officials accountable.

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

I've always admired President Lincoln, whose determination to do the right thing and ability to get it done despite the circumstances saved the country. I will bring that same determination to Congress.

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

Without question, integrity and adherence to the oath of office to support and defend the Constitution. I took a similar oath in the military, and too many elected officials cater to the party, the big donors, or the occupant of the White House and are derelict in their duty as stated in the oath. elected officials must be held to a higher standard.

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

I have very diverse experience, having served in the military, as a corporate executive, in not-for-profit management, as a government contractor, and as a college professor. This, coupled with my education, gives me a unique perspective to bring to office. I also place a high value on doing the right thing and take the oath of office very seriously. I believe we must turn this country around so we can leave it for our children and grandchildren better than we found it.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I read "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London as a child, and as an animal lover was captivated by the story being told from the perspective of Buck, the dog.

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

As a retired USAF officer, I would like to serve on the Armed Services committee. I would also like to serve on the Oversight committee to enforce the standards of ethics and integrity in government.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits only address a symptom of the problem, which is our lack of free and fair elections due to partisan gerrymandering, dark money, and election tampering. I will work to fix the broken election process; then, terms will be limited by voters.

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?

I was holding a meet and greet and a young boy raised his hand to ask a question. I was happy to see a young person engaged and interested in the political process and was eager to hear his question. I called on him and asked his name; "David." I asked how old he was, and he replied he was in the 7th grade. "Thanks for coming, David--what is your question?"

"I don't feel safe when I go to school--what can you do about that?"

I will never forget the response in that room, nor how I felt hearing that from a 7th grader. That moment made the importance of what I was trying to do very real, and made me even more determined to win this race and finally get the gun issue in this country resolved.

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