Small Business Owner Seeking Southern Commissioner Seat:

Hank Smythe has owned Midwestern Pest Control in Kimberling City the last 35 years and is seeking the seat of Southern Commissioner.

He graduated from Reeds Spring High School in 1973 and graduated from Crowder College with a degree in Business Management.

The 57 year-old currently serves as vice chair of the Stone County Planning and Zoning board and served six years as a member of the Reeds Spring school board.  He has presented 129 amendments to commissioners to vote on, all of which passed, in the last few years as part of his duties on the planning and zoning board.

"I helped oversee a budget for the school district of over $20 Million and was making decisions that affected over 300 employees," Smythe said in recalling his tenure of serving on the school board.  "I've got experience in dealing with a small budget like my business and a large budget like that of the school district."

"Ive tried to find a middle ground while working with other people on the planning and zoning board and I will do the same if elected commissioner."

He and his wife, Karen, have been married 37 years and have one daughter.

Smythe says water quality and the importance of lakes in Stone County are vital to the economy and the tax revenue it generates for the county.  He says he would also try to entice businesses to open and employ more people in the county if elected.

"I've lived here all my life and take great pride in living in Stone County."