Two elections ago, I ran for a council because I knew that I had found my home and I wanted to be active in its growth, development, and prosperity.
While I did not get in, it did not stop me from helping where I could.
I have worked with the Boundary Air Quality Committee, helped educate people on agriculture matters through my business, worked at furthering the efforts of community theatre and, for the last six years, been a volunteer firefighter and first responder.
I have learned a great deal from the fire service. Aside from gaining the specific skills needed to do the job, a person must learn to be a team player and put ego aside. As that relates to running for council, I have my ideas on what council needs to accomplish the next three years. They are plans and goals worked on by energetic and passionate people in our community.
My belief is that individual councillors need to unite in their support for those plans and goals developed on facts and a vision of the future, not to be fragmented by egos and private agendas.
I am a very good listener and always strive to confirm what I hear. I feel decisions need to be based on solid and verifiable information.
In preparing and executing plans, contingencies must always be factored in to allow for unexpected obstacles.
As a councillor, I hope not only to bring those skills to bear for the benefit of our community but to actively engage in work that the residents have determined needs to be done.
Drop in for coffee with me at Kokomo's Coffee House on Tuesdays and at Jogas on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Otherwise, check out my Facebook page “Gary Smith for City Council.”