News : Benton County Supervisors District 3 Race Profile: Republican Patrice Smith

Patrice Smith of Keystone is the Republican candidate for the District 3 Supervisor position now held by Ron Buch, who is not seeking re-election.

Below is Patricia's candidate profile.

Patrice Smith

Republican Candidate District 3

Patrice and her husband Gary currently live in Keystone. She is a member of St Andrew Lutheran Church Van Horne where she serves as council secretary and she is active in Lions International, Legion Auxiliary and a member of Keystone Turners. Patrice has one son (Jarod and Carrie), stepdaughter (Chrissy and Greg DeGroot) and two special Granddaughters.

26 years of employment with USDA/Farm Service Agency (FSA) and experience as a prior Benton County business proprietor she understands the obstacles that face todays farm families and business owners. Her employment opportunity with FSA permitted her the opportunity to develop skills in working with individuals from across the nation, to negotiate with Washington FSA management, and the ability to comprehend laws and regulations.

“I’m concerned about the fiscal challenges facing county government therefore fiscal responsibility should be a major concern for every supervisor.

A strong agriculture base is very important to our county as many residents and businesses rely on the outcome of agriculture. We must promote and protect agriculture to remain a prosperous business.

We must encourage community growth through all avenues including continued partnership with the Benton Development Group and other local organizations within the communities.

If economically possible we should strive to keep our services and decision making local. Keeping abreast of issues being proposed at the State and National level is a necessity.

I will strive to keep open communication between myself, Benton County residents, and employees. If elected I will research to make the best possible decisions for our County.”