Meet Steve Smith, Candidate For University Place City Council

Stephen Lawrence Smith

Where do you work and what is your job title?

University of Puget Sound, Assistant Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

 When and Where Were You Born?

1959, Portland, OR

Where do you live now and  how long have you lived there? 

In University Place for 15 years

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

Partner        

Children:

3 sons

Education (include graduation date(s), if any):

Bachelors of Arts, 1981; Masters of Arts, 1988; both at Pacific Lutheran University 

Management Development Program Certificate, 1997, Harvard University.

Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any): 

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

Past President and current member - Rotary Club of Tacoma #8, Board Member – Pierce County AIDS Foundation, Council Member – Urban Grace Church, American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow Class XIII, Co-Chaired the Pierce County Libraries University Place Library Capital Campaign, Past President-City Club of Tacoma Past Board Chair – Franciscan Health System Foundation, Past Board member of the Werlin Reading Program and MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement)

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy?

Yes

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? 

No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Web site: steveforup.com

Email address: steveforUP2@aol.com

Phone number: 253-219-0042

Campaign manager: Myself

Campaign manager contact information:

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected: None

Other campaigns for public office: None

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

Working on the University Place Library campaign, hundreds of residents contributed donations, and over 4500 attended the grand opening. This was a significant demonstration of the pride people have in our city and their appreciation for a central community gathering place. I want to build upon this community success as we proceed with the Town Center.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

1. Continuation of key city services; public safety, public works, economic development, parks.  These are essential services that require both short and long term attention by the council.
2. Completion of the Town Center in a timely manner, but with strong quality control. 
3. Being ready for the U.S. Open and creating programming that allows all residents to participate in the festivities of this milestone event.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

I have a collaborative leadership style and am a very positive person.  The council will benefit from this type of leadership as it works together to quickly address the issues and opportunities of the Town Center and the U.S. Open.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

I am working to keep expenses at a minimum, but it will cost around $15,000.

Official endorsements:

Pierce County Young Democrats