Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

Kip Smith says area needs right leadership to achieve growth

Kip Smith is looking at the special election to fill the Georgia House District 129 seat as an opportunity.

The opportunity came up when his father, Vance Smith, had to vacate the seat more than four months ago because he was named commissioner of the Department of Transportation.

“At this time, West Georgia needs fresh conservative leadership under the gold dome,” said Smith, 27. “Our area has the best opportunity for speedy economic recovery than anywhere in the state. The only way we can achieve that is with the right leadership here and in Atlanta. The growth from Fort Benning and Kia have put a lot of opportunities in front of us.”

Four men — Smith, Columbus publishing consultant and talk show host Jerry Luquire, former legislator and Hamilton businessman Earl Davis, and Pine Mountain wellness center owner Steve Earles — are fighting it out for the opportunity to serve the final year of the two-year term. The election for the district that includes parts of Muscogeee, Harris and Troup counties is Tuesday.

Smith, who is the managing partner for the Dallas Chipley Group, said the state budget crisis and tri-state conflict over the use of water are the biggest issues facing the person elected to represent District 129.

“Water is a huge issue,” Smith said. “Atlanta needs to be held to the same standards as the rest of the state in the way they are allocating the water.”

But Smith admits there are some disagreements on the water issue in the district, which stretches from southern Troup County to northern Muscogee County.

“We need to look at all of the issues involved with water and make a decision that will benefit everyone involved,” Smith said.

Water is not the only issue Smith hopes to tackle.

“The state budget is right up there with water,” Smith said. “A balanced budget is crucial for our state. Unfortunately, to keep that, it looks like there will be more cuts. We need to make sure we cut in the right places.”

Smith and his wife, Caroline, come from politically active families. Vance Smith was on the Harris County Commission before serving 17 years in the General Assembly. Kip’s grandfather, Vance Smith Sr., was active in Harris County politics for many years.

Caroline Smith’s grandfather, Gerald Saunders, was in the General Assembly in the mid 1900s.

Smith is pleased with the opportunity to follow his father into the Georgia House.

“I would always say that is an advantage being Vance Smith’s son,” Smith said. “He is a wonderful role model. He is as honest and loyal to his district as anyone I know who has stood in his shoes. I would never consider being his son a disadvantage.”

But Smith said the decision to run wasn’t made by his father.

“This was my wife and I’s decision,” Smith said.