The Smith Stand

The issues facing Georgia today are critically important to us and the future generations of Georgia. An informed citizenry is vital to maintaining our system of government. Senator Smith is excited about the future of Georgia and our opportunity to make it even better for our children. Some of his positions on important issues are outlined below. If you would like more information about Senator Smith's position on an issue that is important to you, please email him at: pwsmith@legis.state.ga.us.

Education

As a former instructor at Floyd College in Rome, a faculty member at Summit Ministries, and a former minister of students, Senator Smith is experienced in the field of education. Education is one of his main concerns.

Senator Smith believes that meaningful education reform is paramount if we are to create a better society for future generations. We must provide our teachers every possible advantage to educate our children and prepare them for the challenges of the future.

Senator Smith believes that teachers, administrators, and parents should be included in the decision making process. Blaming the teachers and administrators decreases morale and undercuts the progress we have made. As our voice in the Senate, Senator Smith is standing up for our educators and parents to create better and safer schools where students can learn.

Senator Smith believes that we must aggressively recruit and maintain superior educators at all levels. As a part of reaching that goal, he seeks to increase compensation and provide valuable tax credits to assist educators. We must also support our teachers' positive influence on our children and create an atmosphere for learning.

Senator Smith believes that we must provide adequate funding for such necessities as modern equipment, better libraries, and sufficient supplies. Discipline and respect are also concerns that will initiate positive results.

Economic Growth

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Smith understands how the overall economy of our state impacts our quality of life and how it affects our daily lives. He has also served as co-founder and Director/Vice President of Sentinel Communications, Inc., a member of the Chamber of Commerce and counsel to the Development Authority of Floyd County. Senator Smith has the real world experience to fight for and create meaningful jobs in our area. 

Senator Smith is working to bring in new technology and new industry and commerce into our area, creating more and better paying jobs for our citizens. 

Senator Smith knows that empowering people is the key to a better future. By putting more money in the pockets  of hardworking citizens rather than enlarging state bureaucracies, Georgians can fully pursue the American dream.

Senator Smith is fighting to trim state waste and reapportion our government revenues so that more money goes to the local levels where we can build more roads and create more jobs. He is fighting to simplify and reduce our heavy tax burden.

Senator Smith also supports meaningful tort reform, so that Georgia can attract new businesses and better jobs.

Senator Smith believes that we must invest in education to support growth in business and a well-trained workforce. We must continue to create programs at our colleges and universities to help businesses develop and produce new products.

Roads / I-75 and Hwy 411 Connector

For too long the professional politicians have been telling us they will work to connect Highway 411 with Interstate 75. Senator Smith is an advocate and effective leader in making the connector a reality. 

The problem with the connector and the Northern Arc is that politicians and the special interest have dirtied the process. The special interest groups have been lining the politician's pockets, causing questions of ethics violations, and what do we get... no connector, no Northern Arc and more promises.

Senator Smith is fighting for quality roads and easy access for our district. He understands that roads should not be used to fill political campaign coffers, but instead be routes which bring better jobs and easy commutes to the hardworking citizens of Northwest Georgia.

Fundamental Reform of State Government

As Vice Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, Senator Smith believes that accountability to the people must be the driving force behind good government. He believes that all elected officials have a sworn duty and responsibility to the people they represent.

Senator Smith is an advocate for the interests of Northwest Georgia, and not the Atlanta Establishment that caters to the 'Good Old Boy' system of politics.

Senator Smith is promoting a higher code of ethics with openness and honesty in state government. He is using his energy, experience and ability to improve the quality of life for all the people of Northwest Georgia.

Crime Prevention

As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Smith believes that promoting good education and strong family values will help to reduce criminal activity. He is working to turn our economically challenged areas into enterprise zones so that every Georgian has the opportunity to dream dreams and set high goals.

Senator Smith is working to make sure those who put their lives on the line for our safety receive the support they need. He is working to strengthen substance abuse prevention programs and other important programs that are valuable to our community.

Senator Smith supports legislation to keep violent criminals behind bars and off our streets. He supports stronger laws to ensure that murderers, rapists, drunk drivers, spousal abusers, and child molesters serve their full terms.

Gun Issues

Senator Smith does not support legislation that takes away our rights guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in the Bill of Rights. He believes in programs that promote crime control, not gun control. In short, Senator Smith does not believe government should confiscate guns or seek to eliminate gun ownership form law-abiding citizens.

Senator Smith has always used and enjoyed firearms for recreational, sporting and competitive target shooting as well as for hunting and self-defense. He is a strong supporter of our right to keep and bear arms and is a life long member of the National Rifle Association.

Senior Citizens

As a member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Senate Retirement Committee, Senator Smith makes sure that those who have helped make our state what it is today, get the respect they deserve. He supports making sure our seniors receive their home healthcare and he supports quality nursing homes.

Senator Smith is fighting to preserve and strengthen Veteran and Senior Citizen's programs.

Senator Smith believes we should ensure that the insurance, medical and prescription medication needs of our Seniors are met. He also supports the elimination of taxes on retirement and unearned income of Senior Citizens.

The Right to Life

Senator Smith believes that life is a sacred gift from God and that we should fight to protect all innocent life, whether born or unborn. He has been endorsed by the Georgia Right to Life. He is fighting to uphold the values of the conservative, hardworking citizens of Northwest Georgia.

Returning Power to the Citizens

As Vice Chairman of Senate Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee, Senator Smith advocates the people of Georgia having a stronger voice in the process of government. For too long, our state government and elected officials have been influenced by the money from special interest groups and the Atlanta liberal establishment.

Senator Smith is a strong believer in the right of public initiatives and referendums. He believes that the people should have a right to vote on issues that are important to them, and should not be forced to accept the outcome of decisions made in secret. Senator Smith is fully supportive of the power of the citizenry.