My name is Scott Smith and I am seeking your support as the independent Serve America Movement (SAM) candidate for congress. For many of you this may be the first time you are hearing my name. I thank you in advance for taking the time to consider me.
I am 47 years old, married, and have three children between the ages of 14 and 19. I am a middle school science teacher. With the exception of my college years I am a lifelong resident of the district. I grew up in Washingtonville and have lived in Middletown and Goshen. Many of you may know me as a soccer or basketball coach. Some of you may know me as your former representative on the City Council in Middletown. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Science from the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY, a Master's degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, and I received my teaching certificate from PACE University in Pleasantville, NY. I have been around long enough to know that I know a few things and that I don't know it all. I have also experienced enough to have learned that there is no greater satisfaction in life than that which comes from being of service to others. I live in the world that you live in, not in some delusional alternative that I insist you play along with.
My philosophy of governing is simple. I believe in public service above self-interest. I believe that honesty, openness, and trust are essential to good governance. I believe that legislators must be knowledgeable of what they are legislating. I believe that the good of the country and of the American citizen must be paramount. I believe that ethics are something you must bring with you and cannot be provided by committee.
If given the honor of representing you in Congress you can expect the following: I will honor the oath of office every day I serve. I will not become a lifelong politician and will after serving return to my career as a teacher. I will not use the office to serve as a vehicle to increase my own wealth and will therefore collect no income beyond the salary. I will never work as a lobbyist. I will support no law that elevates myself above those I serve.
If you have been seeking an alternative to the status quo, a choice other than Republican or Democrat, then I humbly offer you such an alternative.
As a candidate, as your neighbor, and as your fellow American, I make the following commitment to you:
I do not run to serve government.
I do not run to serve party.
I do not run to serve special interests.
I do not run to serve myself at the trough of government excess.
I run to serve you and the good of our country.
