Largo's newest City Commissioner is all smiles when he says hello during a recent interview at a Starbucks Coffee shop in Pinellas County.
The 30-year-old is fresh off a November win to become the city's first-ever openly gay elected official, and it's a responsibility he takes to heart.
“It's a tough balance because the gay community expects you to push for things and those on the other side are watching everything you do to make sure you're not pushing through some agenda,” said Smith, who wears a rainbow Pride bracelet on his left wrist. “All I can do is be myself. I can bring things up”like the fact I don't have the same benefits as the straight commissioners because my relationship isn't legally recognized. I can show them that I'm a gay man and that doesn't mean I'm some scary monster.”
Smith won the November election with 54% of the vote, unseating long-time incumbent Mary Gray Black, who tried to leverage Smith's sexuality against him at a town hall meeting shortly before the election. It was a plan that backfired for the incumbent and a move that Smith believes helped him win.
“Largo is seeing progress,” Smith said. “There's a focus on arts, culture and becoming a destination for tourism. The city is evolving. It's my job to show the voters and residents here that I'm just like everyone else. That stigma [of being a gay commissioner] will go away.”
While he's confident the stigma will fade, Smith knows personally how dealing with sexuality can take time. The Pinellas County native came out only three years ago”when he as 27.
“I was raised by a Catholic and a Southern Baptist,” Smith said. “I was always taught in church that it as wrong to be gay and that something was wrong with anyone who was.”
It wasn't until after working closely on the successful campaigns of Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell that Smith saw that sexuality is irrelevant when it comes to seeking public office.
“After that experience I had to ask myself, “What am I afraid of?'” Smith said. “It was time to be myself.”
Eventually Smith, who is a Senior Library Assistant at the Pinellas Park Library, came out to his family, friends and co-workers. Both his parents were supportive he said.
He soon wore his rainbow bracelet, which he knew would help present an opportunity to come out to more people, and he lost more than 100 pounds and met his partner of more than a year, Eric.
“There were no more secrets and this huge rock was lifted off my shoulders,” Smith said about coming out. “I am a minority myself and I can tell others that and show them that I am relatable.”
Smith is also an advocate for children, and those with disabilities. The commissioner was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was in grade school, and uses his experience with that disability to encourage others to read.
“If a parent comes into the library looking for books on disabilities, I'm quick to share my story with them,” Smith said. “There are ways to handle disabilities if you have the right tools. I'm proud to say that I'm proof of that. I used to be terrified of books. Now I love to read and actually look forward to reading a two-inch pile of paper from the city.”
Smith is committed to advancing LGBT rights in Largo”whether it be an inclusive Human Rights Ordinance protecting LGBT residents or researching domestic partner benefits for city employees. But he also sees other issues facing the city in north Pinellas County.
“Our budget needs $2.5 million in cuts this year,” Smith said. “We have to find ways to do that but not affect our citizens. I will protect our police department and fire department. Without those you have higher crime, more drownings and injuries, etc. I also want to protect our parks. When the economy is tight, more people stay nearby and want to enjoy the services of their city.”
Smith also wants to take advantage of the current low interest rates, which he sees as an opportunity for structural improvements in the city.
“Money is tight and I get that,” he said. “But if we don't act now, rates will go up and it will cost more in the future. Plus, construction is cheaper now because contractors are looking for work and need the work.”
It's a lot to juggle in his first year as commissioner, and Smith knows 2012 will be a challenging year. But it's also a major opportunity to continue the evolution of Largo, which just five years ago gained national attention when then-commissioners voted to fire City Manager Steve Stanton. Stanton, who had worked for the city for 17 years, was fired shortly after revealing plans to undergo gender reassignment surgery and become Susan Stanton.
“Times are changing and it feels like a new era,” Smith said. “In my campaign I talked about jobs and mortgages”those are the real issues. Don't Ask Don't Tell is dead in the military, younger people are more accepting and Largo has its first openly gay commissioner. We're moving ahead.”
