Dr. Mary Smith Seeks Lauderhill Commission Seat 4, Pledges Accountability for City Spending

By Westside Gazette Staff

       LAUDERHILL — Dr. Mary J. Smith is seeking Seat 4 on the Lauderhill City Commission with a platform centered on public safety, responsible spending, and small business growth.

A 50-year Lauderhill resident, Smith says city government should improve residents’ quality of life and show them what their tax dollars accomplish. In her campaign platform, she calls for clear evidence of spending and measurable results. When the city falls short, she says, officials should explain the problem and outline corrective action.

Smith’s priorities include building a safe and thriving community, strengthening fiscal transparency, and supporting economic development and small businesses. She also argues that commissioners must work with residents to identify problems and develop solutions.

    “True collaboration can only begin when there is an acknowledgement of areas for improvement,” her platform states.

Smith’s résumé lists more than three decades with Southern Bell, BellSouth and AT&T, beginning in customer service and later moving into technical, safety and management roles. As an area manager in construction and engineering, she says she oversaw operations involving supervisors and technicians, managed resources and worked with construction budgets. The résumé also lists her as an assistant professor at Lynn University and owner of Gender Equality Matters, LLC, a management consulting business.

      Smith earned a doctorate in management with a focus on organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix, according to her résumé. She also holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Nova Southeastern University.

Her listed community involvement includes Mount Bethel Baptist Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and board roles with the Sistrunk Historical Organization and Mount Bethel Christian Academy.

For Smith, the central question is whether residents can see their priorities reflected in city decisions. Her campaign says elected officials must spend carefully, report results openly and work with the people they serve.

This candidate profile is based on materials supplied by Smith’s campaign. The Westside Gazette has not independently verified the résumé or campaign claims.