03/07/2026
Many of you know me, but for those who may be visiting this page for the first time, I want to take a moment to introduce myself.
My name is Merit Smith, and I am a lifelong resident of Scioto County. I’m a husband to my wife Sandy, a father of 3, and a proud grandfather of 8. For more than 40 years I have also served as a pastor, spending 20 years at Germany Hollow Freewill Baptist Church and now serving at South Webster Community Church.
Last year, after the passing of Commissioner Cathy Coleman, I was honored to be chosen by the Scioto County Republican Party to step in and serve as Scioto County Commissioner. While I have been serving in this role for the past seven months, this will be my first time asking for your vote to continue that work.
Service has always been at the center of my life. Over the years I have had the opportunity to serve our community in many ways:
🇺🇸As Chief Probation Officer in Juvenile Court
🇺🇸Working with the Scioto County ESC to develop and manage the county’s attendance program
🇺🇸Serving on the Bloom-Vernon Local School District Board of Education
🇺🇸Volunteering as a firefighter and EMS provider in my community
🇺🇸I also work closely with the Steven A. Hunter Foundation, where we help provide food and basic necessities for students across Scioto County.
Those experiences have shaped how I see our community and the responsibility of leadership.
I grew up in Scioto County in a home without running water, heated by a coal stove. From a young age I learned the value of hard work, humility, and helping others when they need it most. Those lessons have guided me throughout my life and continue to guide how I serve today.
I’m running for County Commissioner because I believe in the future of Scioto County. My goal is simple: move our county forward with responsible leadership, balanced budgets, mindful spending, and a commitment to seeing important projects through to completion. When we do that well, we create a stronger, healthier community for the next generation.
✔️Faith.
✔️Integrity.
✔️Service.
✔️Experience.
Those are the values I will continue to bring to this role every day.
If you believe in the future of Scioto County, I would be honored if you would follow this page and share this message with others.
