To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet Andrew Smith.

Having called this county home for the last ten years, Andrew Smith is seeking election as County Commissioner to represent District 4. “I see it [the county] as capable of achieving so much more in fostering and protecting its physical, social, and human capital. To assist in this, the County government should focus on what it is constitutionally mandated to do, and beyond that stay out of the way.” As County Commissioner, Andrew’s main priorities would include public safety, creating a budget prioritizing essential services while eliminating wasteful spending, and not raising taxes and lowering them if possible to help promote economic recovery and growth. Andrew also shared with us that his favorite campaign song is “Vote for Me” by Chicago and one of his favorite restaurants currently is La Pinata’s Burrito Arizona. Meet Andrew Smith.

NAME
Andrew Smith

POSITION SEEKING
Kalamazoo County Commissioner

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
District 4

AFFILIATION
Republican

EMAIL
andrew.128.smith@outlook.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
This county has been my home for ten years. I see it as capable of achieving so much more in fostering and protecting its physical, social, and human capital. To assist in this, the County government should focus on what it is constitutionally mandated to do, and beyond that, stay out of the way.

PLEASE LIST YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE.
My top priorities are public safety, creating a budget prioritizing essential services while eliminating wasteful spending, and not raising taxes and lowering them if possible to help promote economic recovery and growth.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE OFFICE?
It is the County Commission’s job to give direction to policy and carefully oversee how the administration is carrying it out. With my colleagues on the Commission, I will work with the administrator on a new budget and will review how it has worked out as soon as the data is available.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?
Getting the budget in better order will eliminate the “need” for new taxes and fees. It’s even possible that we could roll them back somewhat. That will mean people of every station in life will have more money and will utilize it better than the government can.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS
“Vote for Me” by Chicago because you need to have some levity in this line of work

FAVORITE BOOK
“What’s So Great About America” by Dinesh D’Souza.

FAVORITE MOVIE
“Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back.”

FAVORITE FOOD
Right now one of them is La Pinata’s Burrito Arizona.

The Primary will be held on August 4. The General Election will be held on November 3. Andrew Smith is seeking this seat as a Republican.