Rick Smith, an information technology director, and life-long Prince William County resident has announced his candidacy for Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.
The incumbent, Chairman At-Large Corey Stewart, will have to face off with primary candidate Chris Crawford in the upcoming Republican firehouse primary in April.
Smith was a graduate of Osbourne Park High School in Manassas and has a degree in business administration from Strayer University.
According to Smith, he has worked for the American Bankerās Association for 19-years.
āI started my career in the banking industry ā spent about seven or eight years doing that ā and then I went to the American Bankerās Association to do information technology work,ā said Smith.
Within the community, Smith has been the treasurer and president of the Enterprise Elementary School PTA, treasurer for the C.D Hylton High School Choral Boosters, a coach for the Boys & Girls Club basketball team and the Prince William County Hockey Club. Additionally, Smith has been appointed to three boards; the Citizenās Resource Protection Area Review Committee, the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
Smith stated that one of his main motivators to run for the board was a diminishing community spirit.
āFor me, the reason Iām running is really about community. Itās about having lived here for most of my life ā growing up here, choosing to raise my children here,ā commented Smith.
During his candidacy, Smith is looking to address improving education, public safety and economic development.
āI have a real problem when our board says we should have two uniformed officers for every five residents, and yet based on the current population, that the number [of officers] should be between 860 to 880, and weāve got about 670. Thatās a huge problem for us, in terms of our safety,ā said Smith.
There has not been a large enough investment in bringing good jobs to Prince William, according to Smith.
āSince I was 19 years old, Iāve been commuting to [Washington] D.C. and I would love to be able to have a good, high paying job in Prince William Countyā¦but the jobs just arenāt here. And the reasons the jobs arenāt here, I believe, is because we havenāt invested in our infrastructure,ā Smith said.
According to Smith, he feels that Stewart isnāt looking out for the community he serves, and this is why he has decided to run for the seat.
āIām not somebody who is ever going to have Prince William County be in my rear-view mirror, and I think that Corey is. And I think a lot of the decisions that heās made during his time on the board have reflected a greater interest in a political gain for himself, and not whatās best for Prince William County,ā Smith stated.
Smith lives in Meadowbrook Woods with his wife and four children.
Recent Stories
Stafford County authorities are still looking for a bank robber who simply peddled away.
Yugene Vindman, a Democrat of Lake Ridge, who’s running to replace Abigail Spanberger (D) in Congress, is calling for a review of Virignia’s State Flag, one of the most unique in the world.
A stationary front lingering across central Virginia is expected to gradually shift northward today, transforming into a warm front by early Thursday, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service.
A Howard University student has died after he was struck last week by a car reportedly driven by a faculty member…Mohamed Samura, of Fredericksburg, 18, was a computer information systems major at the university.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!
Why Choose Us?
Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
