Politics & Government

Fox School Board Director Wants to be State Rep

Dan E. Smith wants candidates who listen to the voters, explain their decisions and bring solutions to residents who currently receive no help.

Fox School Board member Dan E. Smith has filed to be a candidate in the election for state representative for the 113th district. 

Smith, in a news release to ArnoldPatch, said he would focus on residents who have " 'fallen between the cracks' and who need someone to help them."

He said he would work to improve the district's business climate. The business friendly approach will attract more jobs and revenue to the area, improve shopping choices and provide more convenient services to residents, Smith said.

Find out what's happening in Arnoldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Lastly, Smith said, if he was elected, that he would remain accessible to the public, have regularly scheduled townhall meetings and keep voters informed of his decisions. "I am tired of the politicians who think they know better than the people they represent by voting against the will of those in their districts.”

The text of Smith's news release is below.

Find out what's happening in Arnoldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

--------------

Smith Files for State Representative in the 113th District

Dan E. Smith, 56, who lives in unincorporated Arnold (32 years), officially filed for state representative in the  (new) 113th district for the 2012 election on Tuesday in Jefferson City.  The 113th district comprises most of the former 101st district (before the state redistricting).  If elected, Dan says he will use reasonableness and common sense to provide the people of this district representation that is both very accessible and fair.  He will represent the interests of his constituents and make sure their voice is heard in Jefferson City.

Smith, a Republican, said he has decided to run after careful thought, conversations with family and friends, and lots of prayer.  “This will mean restructuring our whole way of life, and I wanted to be certain everyone would be ok with the changes necessary to properly represent the people of this district,” said Dan.  He and his wife of nearly 40 years have one daughter and seven grandchildren.

Dan is a Vietnam Era Veteran and served as a medic in the United States Air Force for six years before returning home and settling in the Arnold area.  He is currently serving his second term as Director on the Fox C-6 Board of Education (Master Level Board Certified), serves his constituents in the Windsor Township as a Central Committee member (4th term), and is 2nd Vice President of the Jefferson County Republican Club.  Until just recently when the federal districts were redrawn, he served as the Treasurer of the Third Congressional District.   He is also a member of the Arnold Historical Society and served one term on the American Red Cross Advisory Board.  Dan is a very active and well-known member of the Arnold community and participates in many civic endeavors. He is a man of faith and an active member of his church in Arnold.

Smith is a graduate of Washington University and spent most of his career in banking, insurance and finance, working as an underwriter, investment representative, and commercial loan bank manager.  He now enjoys working part-time for the sister company of Build-A-Bear Workshops (New Space) making furniture.  “It’s a big change from banking and finance, but I have always enjoyed working with my hands and this is an excellent way to express my creative side,” Smith stated. 

Smith said that one factor in deciding to run for state representative is his desire to keep up the good communications with the people of the 113th district that they have been accustomed to in the past.  “I want to make sure that the main focus is the PEOPLE, NOT POLITICS,” said Smith.  As I have repeatedly demonstrated I am very involved with the issues and concerns of people in the district, and I think it is important to help those who have “fallen between the cracks” and need someone to help them. 

Smith says there are a few issues that would be at the forefront of his work in the Legislature if elected.  He said, “I believe strongly in a good education system, and I will work hard on behalf of the Fox and Windsor school districts as well as the college community.  I would also like to improve the business climate in the 113th district.  A “business friendly” atmosphere will not only bring in more jobs and revenue to the area, but will also make this a better place for consumers to shop and get services more conveniently.

“People in the community need someone who is approachable.  They deserve someone who will be there for them 100% of the time and not miss crucial votes.  Since being elected to the Fox C-6 School Board, Dan has not missed one single vote in four years.  It is all about the people,” says Smith.  “We need to give government back to the people and make it as transparent and easy to understand as possible.  There should NEVER be any “back room deals”.  The people of the district should be kept informed as to how their input has helped their representative vote and make decisions.  Representatives should meet with people in their districts regularly and find out what is happening around them.  If elected, I will do just that. There will be regularly scheduled town-hall style meetings and open communication with the people.  I am tired of the politicians who think they know better than the people they represent by voting against the will of those in their districts,” Smith said.  “I will take the time to listen and then fairly represent the will of our community.  My focus will always be on the needs and desires of the people I represent,” Dan concluded.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Arnold