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| Affiliation | Democratic |
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| Name | Chris Smith |
| Address |
Charleston, West Virginia , United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | [Link] |
| Born |
February 09, 1940
(84 years)
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| Contributor | Wishful Thinking |
| Last Modifed | Wishful Thinking
May 26, 2003 03:52pm |
| Tags |
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| Info | (Son of former Governor Hulett Smith)
As a candidate for Mayor of Charleston, I think it is important to introduce myself to those residents who aren't familiar with my background, education and career.
In 1957, I graduated from Charleston High School as a member of the National Honor Society. Due to my scholastic abilities as well as a talent for playing basketball, I was offered a number of academic and athletic scholarships from several universities and colleges. I chose Virginia Tech because one of my goals was to get a degree in chemical engineering, and Virginia Tech offered one of the best engineering programs in the nation. At the same time, Virginia Tech gave me the opportunity to fulfill another goal to take part in a good competitive college basketball program.
During my four years at Virginia Tech, I started every varsity basketball game regardless of injuries or sicknesses. During our three games in the 1960 Southern Conference Tournament, I scored 77 points and had 71 rebounds. My rebounds were and still are a tournament record that has not been broken. Even though after graduation I had offers to play professional basketball with both the NBA and the ABA, I decided to work as a chemical engineer and began my career with Union Carbide in 1961. I worked at the Institute Plant, the Technical Center, the Texas City Plant, and the Woodbine Georgia Plant, where I was Plant Manager of 650 employees. I became a Union Carbide Divisional Director while I worked at the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. After an acquisition and merger, I became a Corporate Director with Rhone Poulenc. Later, our family decided to fulfill another goal, and that was to return to Charleston and work with Union Carbide while we built our home together. I had traveled quite a bit in recent years with my career, and I felt the building of our new house together with my wife, Sandy, and our four children would even further enhance the closeness and respect we all felt for each other. Looking back, it was probably the best decision we ever made.
While managing manufacturing operations for the chemical industry, I was responsible for several multimillion-dollar projects, including one that was a $100 million dollar project. Most of my career was spent managing and working with large groups of employees. I learned early that teamwork was not only important in sports, but in industry and business as well. I believe for us to succeed in any organization, we have to work together, and we have to get along and respect each other.
After I left the chemical industry, I went to work as the Business Manager for the Kanawha County School System. I managed approximately 800 employees, and as a result of my leadership, I was able to save 27 million dollars for the Kanawha County School System. I also managed the design and construction of Riverside High School, and I am proud to say that this outstanding facility was built on time and within budget.
I began my political career in 1995 when I ran for Council-At-Large in Charleston. I led the ticket in the general election. In 1999, I decided to run for the City Treasurer's job, a position I continue to hold. I really enjoy public service, and I am flattered at the tremendous amount of support I have received during my past races and the excitement that my run for mayor has generated. It gives me confidence to continue and to mount a strong campaign.
I am convinced that Charleston can do better! Charleston should be the showcase for West Virginia. When visitors arrive, the impression we make is very important. Sidewalks and streets are in poor condition in many neighborhoods. Some residents are frustrated by the fact that they take great pride in their homes while a nearby property is allowed to go unattended. Inadequate planning has resulted in the closing of recreation centers, talk of closing public swimming facilities, faulty repair of tennis courts, long project delays such as the boulevard lighting, and no repair at many other facilities.
Many citizens have seen their taxes and fees increase drastically such as the tripling of the trash collection fees. Most people are concerned over the possibility of additional future tax increases under the current administration.
Some communities have been victimized by people openly dealing drugs. Multiple shootings have occurred in some neighborhoods, and many people are forced to live in fear. That should not be the case! Everyone is entitled to feel secure in his or her own home. It doesn't matter if it is the most expensive or the least expensive residence in the city. The mayor's main responsibility is to provide good services and protection for its citizens.
By working together, we can be successful in solving these issues. The new Clay Center is a good example of what civic pride and determination can do for a community. Charleston is a very civic-minded town, and it is up to us to do the best we can to make our city the best that it can be.
While I am proud of my past achievements, I have the drive and the will to do much more, and I want to be part of a new beginning for Charleston. I want to be the mayor who helps restore positive leadership and confidence in the future. I want to be the mayor who supports every agency of city government and makes certain that city employees receive the compensation, respect, recognition, and training they need to do their jobs well. I want to be the mayor who runs the city with the input and advice of the people who pay the bills - - the taxpayers. I want to be certain that every citizen is treated with respect and has a voice that is heard. Also I want to be sure that the people appointed to the various commissions and boards truly represent the people they serve from all areas of the city. Finally, I want all citizens to understand and know that by working together, "We Can Do Better!"
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