Smith to seek 12th District seat
An Adams Township man has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in District 12 of the state House.
The seat has long been held by Daryl Metcalfe, a Republican.
Daniel Smith Jr. said it is time for a “set of fresh eyes” and promised to focus on local issues like infrastructure and emergency responders.
“As a constituent I felt the only thing I could do to get my voice heard was to do this,” Smith said. “My focus is change in the district.”
He is spending the beginning of his campaign meeting with district residents at local businesses and talking with community leaders to better understand their concerns.
“My goal is to talk with as many people as possible,” Smith said. “Your constituents are your constituents. They are your employers. You listen to what they have to say and you go from there.”
His leading issues include improving traffic and congestion, fighting for first responders, allowing hunting on Sundays and equality for all.
“I'm running as a Democrat, but I'm not running party-party. It's the person you're putting in,” he said. “Voting for change isn't voting straight party. … You should know who you're voting for, and I hope I can be that person.”
Born in Zelienople, Smith works in senior management at a financial firm in Pittsburgh, where he has worked for more than 20 years. He lives in Adams Township with his partner, Don, and their 8-year-old retriever greyhound mix, Star.
