Bio - GarySmith, Jr.

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Last Update: Thursday, October 11, 2007 04:05:50 PM

It only takes a quick look at my background to know that my heart is in public service. Born and raised in St. Charles Parish, I have been a lifelong resident of Norco. A solid work ethic was instilled in me as a teenager when I went to work as a deck hand and laborer, quickly learning the value of a hard-earned dollar. My early working experiences also taught me responsibility and provided opportunities to develop my leadership skills. That same strong work ethic has influenced all aspects of my life, from my active involvement in the First Baptist Church of Norco to my family's marine business, and as a local attorney with my own practice. I have and will continue to work hard for you, putting the needs of the residents of District 56 first.

I attended both parochial and public school in St. Charles parish. After graduating from Destrehan High School, where I excelled in academics and sports, I wanted to further my education, and did so with honors. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and my Juris Doctor from Loyola School of Law, graduating in the top fourth of my class. I went on to receive my Masters Degree in Admiralty Law from Tulane School of Law which completed my personal educational goals.

In 1989, when my passion for politics started, I was selected by Billy Tauzin to be a Page in the 101st Congress. Then in 1992 I returned to Washington D.C. to work as an intern for Senator John Breaux. The following year I was back in the nation's capitol working on Congressman Tauzin's legislative staff. These opportunities each strengthened my desire to become a public servant and particularly to serve the people of Louisiana. I returned home with a real understanding of public service and the satisfaction it brings.

The Louisiana Legislature is about writing, evaluating and passing laws. My education has prepared me to interpret and construct laws, which will serve to improve the quality of life--not only for District 56, but also for all of Louisiana. The residents of District 56 have always understood the importance of sending a lawyer to represent their views. They have done so for the last 36 years. I have carried on this fine tradition. My life long interest in our political system coupled with my experience working in our nation's capitol has given me an understanding and insight into the dynamics of legislating, which I have put to use for my constituents and my state.

I am excited to announce my campaign for re-election. For the first time in Louisiana’s history, term limits are requiring many experienced members to move on. More than half of the members are termed out. The legislature will consist of mostly new members with no legislative experience. I am eligible for one more four-year term. The upcoming term will be critical for the future of this area and the State as a whole. Together, with Senator Joel Chaisson, we will be part of the senior team left to guide the legislature. The experience you have allowed me to obtain, the coalitions built, and the support of this district, will give me the opportunity to have a strong voice in the direction of the state for the next four years.

I have used my skills as a lawyer and businessman to understand the needs of the district and to create laws that benefit both the District and the State. Appointed as Vice Chairman of the House Commerce Committee and as a key member of the House Insurance Committee, the Executive Committee, The Special Committee on Term Limits, the Acadian Delegation and the Rural Caucus, I have played a major role in moving Louisiana forward.

A few of my achievements include improving hurricane protection and drainage and infrastructure, access to healthcare, teacher and police pay raises, funding TOPS, accountability in education, ethics and insurance reform, the creation of a state building code, crime protection and economic development and tax reduction.

The seniority and experience will give me the unique opportunity to direct even more projects and improvements to the river region, thus, further improving our area. I pledge to continue to bring money home to better our levees, pumps and drainage, improve our roads and give us better access to health care. At the same time, I will fight for more economic development and better paying jobs, affordable insurance and continue to tighten the budget by reducing the size of government and the tax burden on our citizens.

With your help, I will continue to be your voice in Baton Rouge, working to improve our quality of life and making Louisiana a state to be proud of.

I AM ONE OF YOU. I was born and raised here and have a deep affection for the people of our district and an appreciation of the advantages that it has to offer. As a homeowner and resident, I understand and share many of your concerns. I am a good listener and problem solver. As a practicing attorney and businessman, I look forward to using all of the skills I've acquired to continue serving the people of District 56. It has been an honor to work with other elected officials on a local, parish, state and federal level. I pledge to be honest, hard working and always available to citizens of our District. I feel an elected official should represent the views of his constituents and I will continue to do just that. As your representative, I will use my office unselfishly, working continually to improve the standard of living and quality of life for every person in our District. I would consider it a great honor to serve as your state representative and would appreciate your support in allowing me to continue serving you in this important position.

Thank you,

Gary L. Smith, Jr .