Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith announces re-election campaign

Staff Reports

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith announced he is seeking reelection to the position of Commissioner precinct four in the 2022 Republican primary election.

Smith was first elected as commissioner for precinct four, which includes the majority of Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Buda, in 2018.

According to a press release sent by his campaign office, over the past 3 years Walt has established the first Conservation Development Title for any county in the state to ensure our open spaces are preserved, and fought for the expansion of park and open spaces throughout the county. This is currently leading to the development of a number of parks and recreational facilities for families throughout the county.

The press release also states that he maintained a focus on Veterans and mental health services, working closely with Veterans throughout Hays County. Hays County has a reputation as low crime and providing a great quality of life, and Smith has consistently supported law enforcement and first responders and worked to expand their abilities to face the challenges in our county.

Smith has also worked on major transportation improvements in the county such as RM150, FM967, FM1826, FM 1626, US290, and RR12, replacement of low-water crossings, the new Trautwein Intersection, and the Sawyer Ranch Rd. mixed-use pedestrian path connecting Sycamore Springs Elementary and Middle Schools to the surrounding communities.

His campaign office lists the following accomplishments for Smith: Walt has been named a two-time finalist for the Dripping Springs Chamber ”Hometown Hero” and “Small Businessperson of the Year” awards, is an instructor and inaugural class member of Leadership Dripping Springs, Chaired the Educator Outreach Committee for the DSISD Education Foundation, has been named “Lion of the Year,” served as the fundraising chairman for Christmas on Mercer, and served on a number of boards such as the Lions, Rotary Club, DS Wildgame Dinner, the Texas Lyceum and has coached baseball, softball and basketball at DS Youth Sports Association and is known by our teachers for having cooked over 5000 pancakes for them over the last 3 years.

Walt and his wife Kelly live in Driftwood and have three daughters all attending public school in Dripping Springs. The Smiths attend Austin Ridge Dripping Springs.