Three former elected leaders in Hamilton County on Thursday announced their support for independent candidate Joe Smith for the County Commission seat in District 3.
Longtime County Mayor and Deputy Governor Claude Ramsey, former Congressman Zach Wamp and former state Rep. Richard Floyd all say they support Mr. Smith for the commission seat vacated by newly elected county assessor of property Marty Haynes.
"I have known Joe Smith for years,” said Mr. Ramsey. “He is a conservative, honest and caring person. Few people I know have given as much service to the citizens of Hamilton County as Joe and he deserves the opportunity to serve the people of District 3."
"Joe Smith is exactly the kind of person we need in county government leadership,” said former Congressman Wamp. “Joe’s entire life has been dedicated to helping people. Hundreds of young lives have been positively impacted by his service to humanity. As a former Big Ridge resident, he has my wholehearted support and he has been a dedicated, committed member of the Republican Party. I believe in Joe Smith."
“Joe Smith and his family have set the highest standard for service to the public taking in foster children, working in under-served areas, keeping kids from joining gangs and training up a generation of productive citizens in Hamilton County,” said former Rep. Floyd. “He deserves our support and I hope the good people of district 3 will get out and vote for him."
Mr. Smith has spent 18 years as the regional executive director of Y-Cap, a YMCA intervention program that works with students between the ages of 10-14.
Mr. Smith will be on the Nov. 8 ballot against the Republican nominee Greg Martin, who is vacating his school board seat to pursue the seat on the County Commission. The district represents Hixson, Middle Valley, Lakesite and Big Ridge.