Submitted Report by Candidate
DRIPPING SPRINGS — Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith announced he is seeking reelection to the position of Precinct 4 commissioner in the 2022 Republican primary election.
Smith was first elected as commissioner for Pct. 4, which includes the majority of Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Buda, in 2018.
“It’s been a privilege representing the people of Pct. 4 and over the last three years I have focused on maintaining the culture and community of our area while addressing the ever growing public safety, infrastructure and transportation needs,” he said. “I have fought alongside our men and women of law enforcement and won in the face of massive proposed budget cuts. We have worked hard to ensure our first responders have the equipment and personnel to meet the needs of our booming population.”
Over the past 3 years, Smith led the effort to establish the first Conservation Development Title for any county in the state to ensure open spaces are preserved and he fought for the expansion of park and open spaces throughout the county.
He’s maintained a focus on veterans and mental health services, working closely with our veterans throughout Hays County. Smith has consistently supported law enforcement and first responders and worked to expand their abilities to face the challenges in our county. Smith has led or worked on major transportation improvements in the county such as RM150, FM967, FM1826, FM 1626, US290, and RR12, replacement of low-water crossings, the new Trautwein Intersection, and the Sawyer Ranch Rd. mixed-use pedestrian path connecting Sycamore Springs Elementary and Middle Schools to the surrounding communities.
Smith has been named a two-time finalist for the Dripping Springs “Hometown Hero” and “Small Businessperson of the Year” awards, is an instructor of Leadership Dripping Springs, chaired the DSISD Education Foundation Educator Outreach Committee, was named “Lion of the Year”, served as the fundraising chairman for Christmas on Mercer, and served on a number of boards. He coached baseball, softball and basketball at DS Youth Sports Association and is known by teachers for having cooked over 5000 pancakes for them over the last 3 years.
Smith and his wife Kelly live in Driftwood and have three daughters attending public school in Dripping Springs.
