Why Mark Smith?

When I talk to folks throughout our community, the number one question I’m asked is not just why am I running for Town Council, but what separates me from the other candidates in the race.  They’re all good people who care about our community too.  But I always say there a couple of reasons why I think I’m qualified to ask for your vote.

Owning a small business and serving in the Mt. Pleasant community have given me some valuable insight and experience that will help guide me as a member of the Mt. Pleasant Town Council. As a small businessman, the need to be efficient and fiscally responsible is ingrained in me. But it’s been during my years of volunteer service in non-profits that I’ve expanded my thinking about how to accomplish more with less. You can’t let funding guide your vision or your quest for excellence—you must think creatively, explore options, and sometimes blaze new trails. My desire is to bring that perspective to Town Council.

Let me dive a little deeper into my background and why I believe my past business and non-profit experiences will help lead as a member of the Mt. Pleasant Town Council.

First, as a small business owner, I understand firsthand the challenges facing companies that want to grow here in the Lowcountry.  As the co-owner and vice president of McAlister-Smith Funeral Homes and Palmetto Cremation Society, (five locations and over 25 employees), I understand the hard work that goes into earning a paycheck. My employees work hard and pay enough in taxes. If elected, I am committed to helping make sure the Mt. Pleasant Town Council is working WITH small businesses, rather than against them.

Second, Elayne and I, like all Mt. Pleasant families, want the very best for our children. Every day we work to instill in our three boys our morals and values, and it is important to us that government doesn’t try to interfere with our efforts in raising our boys. I believe decisions made by elected officials should always be made with respect to the impact on families.  In raising our boys, we have seen the benefits the Mt. Pleasant school system has provided to our children.  As part of this experience, I have also seen the importance of having a strong community dedicated, right here in Mt. Pleasant, comprised of small local businesses as well as longtime Mt. Pleasant families and new families, to fostering a sense of community for my family.  And we have all benefited from the safe streets and neighborhoods that we are able to raise our children in.  

Finally, I would also add that through my leadership positions with many local non-profits throughout our community, I have not only realized and appreciated the value of the dollar but also gained an acute awareness and understanding of how to do much more with less. The norm while serving as Chairman of the Lowcountry Food Bank was to constantly find creative and innovative ways to continue or often times expand needed services like feeding at-risk hungry children, families and seniors services while funding and revenue sources were constantly being cut. 

As Mt. Pleasant continues to grow, recognizing and understanding these positives and opportunities while also acknowledging the challenges growth poses on these benefits, will be critical in addressing Mt. Pleasant’s future.  I have seen, and my family and business have enjoyed, the great quality of life provided by Mt. Pleasant, and I am committed to maintaining that quality of life and improving it where possible.