• Article Photo. Patrice Smith; Republican candidate for Benton County Supervisor, District 3.
    Patrice Smith; Republican candidate for Benton County Supervisor, District 3.

Editor's Note: We have been profiling the candidates for Benton County Supervisor.

Patrice Smith is the Republican candidate for District 3, which includes the southern portion of Benton County. She and two Democrats are running for the seat which has been held by Ron Buch since 2001. 

Below is Patrice's summary of her experience and vision in her own words:

I have been a resident of Benton County since 1960 and currently reside in Keystone.  My parents are Keith and Bonnie Poldberg from Vinton.  I have one son Jarod, daughter in law Carrie and granddaughter Anessa from Blairstown.  My experience includes 26 years of federal government service with USDA/FSA, a prior small business owner, serving on a local cooperative telephone company board and many years of involvement with the national FSA’s county office employee association. Serving in this association I held many positions including, Midwest Area Executive and the National Legislative Chairperson.  Past experiences have given me knowledge on the operation of an organization with 8500 members, understanding the obstacles of the small business owner and working with government laws and regulations. 

I am excited that with your support I may have the opportunity to serve as a Benton County Supervisor.  All forms of Government are struggling to work through their fiscally trying budgets and many of us are personally working with the same issue. I believe strongly in fiscal responsibility and will strive to make common sense decisions and keep the line of communication open with the residents of Benton County. 

The current board has done a respectable job.  In my experience with government work I have found that decisions affecting our county are best made at home.  The further out the decision process is the more misconstrued the outcome becomes and less control over the situation.  Keeping our communities thriving, working to keep our agriculture base on the right track and taking care of our citizens are all equally important issues to thrive for.