"To my constituents in District 56"

Dear Friends,

It is with great excitement that I announce my candidacy for re-election as State Representative of District 56. In 1999 and again in 2003, you graciously chose me to be your voice in the State Legislature. I have represented you with honor and integrity. Now, I humbly ask for your support again.

For the past eight years I have worked in the House of Representatives to improve our district and our state. I currently serve as Vice Chairman of the House Commerce Committee and am a key member of the House Insurance Committee, the Special Committee on Term Limits, the Executive Committee, the Acadian Delegation and the Rural Caucus. My experience and leadership, along with my seniority and understanding of the law, have afforded me the opportunity to work across party lines to build coalitions and improve Louisiana. State Senator Joel Chaisson and I have partnered together to provide the district with a unique opportunity to finish important projects we have started and to catapult our area to new heights.

Over the past two terms, together, we have endured a lot, including the destruction caused by both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Yet still, we have made great advances by passing legislation that moves Louisiana forward and I am proud to have played an important role in these accomplishments. We have improved hurricane protection, better drainage and infrastructure, teacher and police pay raises, funding for healthcare and the TOPS program, accountability in education, tax breaks, ethics and insurance reform, state building codes, better crime protection and economic development. These are only a few of the many areas of noticeable progress.

If re-elected for another term, I again pledge my commitment to you and to our community. With our local and federal partners, I will continue to fight to make both our district and our state better, safer, healthier places to live and work. My door has always been and will remain open to hear your concerns and find solutions. I am home grown and will never forget my roots here in District 56, as I continue to work for you in Baton Rouge.

Please do not hesitate to contact me. My office is located at 9 Apple St. in Norco. I can also be reached at 985-764-9122 or through my website www.garysmithjr.com.


Sincerely,
Gary L. Smith Jr.