Senator Chris Smith files for Broward County Commission District 9
By Joshua Parson
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Seeking to bring leadership skills honed in the State Capitol home to Broward County, State Senator Chris Smith (D-Fort Lauderdale) recently (Sept. 9, 2015) filed to run for the County Commission District 9 seat in the 2016 general election.
“Representing the many voices of Broward County in the Legislature has been one of my greatest honors,” said Senator Smith. “Whether it was in the House or the Senate, serving the people and improving their quality of life has always been my first priority. As a county commissioner, I intend to continue that commitment, and build new, exciting opportunities for Broward County’s future.”
A state lawmaker for 15 years, Senator Smith is a former Democratic leader in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, one of only two people in Florida’s history to hold both positions. He is known as much for his leadership ability as his skill for compromise to craft sound public policy.
“Political gridlock isn’t only unproductive, it’s unacceptable. And it hurts the very people we’re elected to represent,” said Senator Smith. “As a leader, I worked with diverse people with diverse interests and built the coalitions necessary to get real results and real solutions for the people of Broward County and the State of Florida.”
Some of the most notable legislative achievements of Senator Smith’s efforts include critical elections reform and the creation of a unique police training academy geared specifically to boost the number of minority officers hired by Florida’s law enforcement agencies.
He was also successful in incorporating more areas of Broward into the county government structure. Along with boosting needed social services and small business growth, Senator Smith also aims to expedite annexation as an elected commissioner. “Annexing these communities means a better quality of life for all residents,” said Senator Smith. “It means new sidewalks, road improvements, and the kinds of vital infrastructure and transportation development we need to bring good jobs and new opportunities to Broward County – without saddling the people with higher taxes. It’s a win for everyone.”
A number of Broward residents have applauded Senator Smith’s announcement, among them Jasmin Shirley: “As a life-long resident of Broward County, I welcome the experience, commitment, leadership and dedication to serving others that a community leader and fighter like Chris Smith will bring to improve the quality of life and services rendered to Broward residents. Chris will represent all of the people in this district and he understands their needs,” she said.
Her endorsement was echoed by City of Lauderhill Commissioner M. Margaret Bates and former City Com-missioner of Lauderdale Lakes Eric Haynes, both of whom noted Senator Smith’s unique advantage of being able to tap into Tallahassee and the federal government for Broward County’s benefit.
“Senator Smith knows how to get things done,” said Com-missioner Bates. “He’s deter-mined to build on the success he’s achieved in Tallahassee for our community, and to take Broward to the next level.”
“As a state lawmaker, Chris Smith has worked tirelessly for Broward County,” said Haynes. “He knows what we need, and he knows how to deliver. With the opportunity to elect him to the county commission, Broward’s future has never looked brighter.”
Residents can learn more about Senator Smith’s new campaign and his ambitious plans for Broward County by visiting his website: www.ChrisSmithforBroward.com
