Hi, I'm Richard Smith, a parent, veteran, and union member living in Riverdale Park with my wife and children and running for Town Council Ward 1.

As our community grows and changes rapidly, we all have concerns about what the future of our town will look like. We know we must encourage that growth while ensuring we grow inclusively. I want Ward 1 to continue to be a place for everyone, whether you've been here for generations or joined our neighborhood recently.

I was born in Alabama and grew up in Walton County, Florida. At 18, I enlisted in the United States Army and served five years on active duty, including 14 months in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division.

After the Army, I received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Alabama-Huntsville, and a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. I currently work in public relations in Washington, DC.

I look forward to meeting even more of our neighbors in this campaign. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if there is anything I can assist you with.