Newark – Pike Creek community leader Michael Smith has filed to run for the Delaware State House of Representatives. Smith will campaign for the District 22 seat being vacated by Joe Miro, who is retiring after 20 years in the General Assembly.
“Delaware faces real challenges that continue to grow year-over-year.,” Smith said. “Our unemployment rate remains higher than the national average and that’s unacceptable to me. Given our location and workforce, we should be doing better – not falling behind.”
Smith has focused his career on economic development and is uniquely positioned to bring that skillset to state government. He currently works as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships for the College of Health Sciences at the University of Delaware. In that role, he manages the College’s economic development initiatives and community relations with a focus on the STAR Campus. Prior to working with UD, he was Executive Director of the Greater Newark Economic Development Partnership.
“I’m the father of two young boys and I want to make sure that they grow up in a vibrant community that has the resources to fund schools and provide jobs for their future,” Smith continued. “Everyday I have the opportunity to talk to parents, teachers and business owners who are concerned about the direction we’re heading. We need someone in Dover who has a big picture mentality to put all of these pieces together and to relate to the challenges our families are facing.”
Smith continued, “I’m not only a parent but also a caregiver. My 84 year-old grandmother raised me when my mother died and now our roles are reversed. As her advocate, I’ve seen the bureaucracy that families need to navigate when taking care of an aging loved one. It’s a system that needs reform and, with my personal experience, I believe I can lead those efforts.”
In addition to his professional role with the University, Smith is active in numerous local community groups and nonprofits. These include the Delaware State and New Castle County Chambers of Commerce; Lori’s Hands; Preston’s Playground; Christ Community Church; Rush Soccer; and, Piedmont Baseball.
Michael Smith is married to Christy and they have two sons, Braedon, aged 7, and Nathan, aged 3. A formal campaign kick-off will be hosted at McGlynn’s Pub and Restaurant in the Polly Drummond Shopping Center on Wednesday April 18th at 6PM.
Source: Michael Smith
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