Vance Smith opens up about his controversial firing, political career and ‘God’s plan’

State Rep. Vance Smith (R-Pine Mountain) is still processing his firing as the president and CEO of the Harris County Chamber of Commerce.

On Tuesday, he told the Ledger-Enquirer he got a text Friday afternoon, asking him to join a Zoom meeting with the executive committee of the chamber. During the call, they expressed their disappointment over with his opposition to Gov. Brian Kemp’s controversial tort reform bill, Senate Bill 68, which limits civil lawsuits against businesses. The Georgia House of Representatives barely passed the bill with a 91-82 vote that day.

“Just to put it minor, I was shocked,” Smith said in his interview Wednesday with the Ledger-Enquirer. “I guess I’m still kind of shocked.”

Smith said he will not pursue legal action against the chamber regarding his firing. He emphasized his focus is on the next chapter in his career.

“I’m just trying to comprehend what all’s going on, trying to get my life going in the right direction and to support my family,” Smith said “That’s not in the picture. I’m just trying to do my due diligence and get my next job, and that’s what’s important.”

Smith had been the president of the chamber for nearly three years, serving over 350 business owners and industry leaders countywide and being an active part in planning and hosting 18 annual events. Smith also runs a construction contracting company, Vance Smith Construction, but he works with clients in his spare time during weekends. The chamber job was his main source of income.

“All of these [government] positions are part-time,” Smith said. “You can’t make a living as a county commissioner, as a city council person and even as a state rep. We are part time-legislators, or what they call citizen legislators. We come here, we serve, then we go home where our job is and how we support our families.”

When asked whether he had any comments for the chamber, Smith said, “I wish you all the best.”

How Vance Smith started in politics

Smith is no stranger to local politics. His father, Vance Smith Sr., was a city councilman in his hometown Pine Mountain for 33 years. Watching his father help local citizens, Smith said, helped develop his own leadership skills that inspired him to get involved.

“Local positions really give you an eye-opening experience of what’s going on in the community,” Smith said. “It was interesting.”

Smith started his political career as a Harris County Commissioner in 1987, serving in that position for three years. After his term, he went into the private sector in a business venture with his dad. During his time away from politics, the previous state representative retired. Smith decided to run for the seat representing portions of Harris, Muscogee and Troup counties and won his election in 1992.

“I love our name, House of Representatives, because that’s why we’re there: to represent,” Smith said.

After over three decades in politics, Smith said his enjoyment keeps him going. He enjoys the process of thoroughly reviewing legislation that positively affects his constituents. He also emphasized his appreciation for the other members of the Columbus area delegation, some of whom comforted him during his emotional speech Tuesday in the House.

“I’ve known some of these people for years,” Smith said. “They’re great folks, and I appreciate that support.”

Other members of the Columbus area delegation in the House of Representatives, like state Rep. Teddy Reese (D-Columbus) and minority leader Rep. Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus), expressed their fondness for Smith to the Ledger-Enquirer, referring to him as a “wonderful person.”

“We appreciate his guidance, and I certainly personally appreciate his voice of wisdom,” Reese said. “He’s always taking the time to make sure I understood what I need to in order to be successful here.”

What’s next for Vance Smith?

For Smith, the future is still uncertain. He emphasized he is open to expanding his contracting business or another opportunity.

“I always say it’s great to have conversations with people because that conversation could lead to something,” Smith said. “I’m willing to talk about whatever’s on the table.”

Smith referenced the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 when he said during his speech Tuesday, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

“God’s got a plan,” Smith said in his L-E interview. “I just need to pay attention.”