Jonathan Smith has announced his plans to run this year for the central division county commissioners seat currently held by Bill Hamlin.

Smith, a Republican, has never run for office before. In fact, he had to call the Surry County Board of Elections to make sure he was old enough to run. Smith is 18 years old, and he has been considering the idea of running for county commissioner for the past year and a half. He used to volunteer at election polls, and he said many people told him that he should run for an office.

“It really sparked my interest that people would want someone my age to run,” said Smith.

The 18-year-old already has business cards printed out and has submitted financial paperwork to the board of elections. He believes he will bring fresh ideas to the board of commissioners if elected.

Smith sees his age as both a benefit and a challenge. On the one hand, he feels he will be able to connect with young voters and get them to understand what is taking place in the county.

“I’m enthusiastic, I’m energetic,” he said.

But Smith also said he realizes that it may be hard to convince older voters that he’s ready to take office.

“I realize that running for county commissioner is not fun and games,” Smith remarked. “It requires a lot of time.”

After working polls for four years, Smith said, “I know what it takes to win.”

Smith said he will not make any promises to voters. He will just work to help the county any way he can.

“I would make a good commissioner for Surry County, because I would be a representative of the people. I think there are too many people making names for themselves. I want to be a representative of the people,” said Smith.

He thinks the board of commissioners needs to work to create more jobs in the area. Smith drives to Galax, Va., each day to work at Carolina Profile.

“Job creation is at the top of my agenda,” he assured.

Other top concerns for Smith are tackling wasteful spending, supporting education, and pursuing water and sewer projects.

Smith has lived in Surry County for around nine years. He was homeschooled and plans to continue his education at Surry Community College. In addition to his job at Carolina Profiles, Smith also works part-time at Staples in Mount Airy and is a Baptist preacher. Working two jobs and paying his own bills, Smith said he understands what it takes to budget carefully.

Smith served as the veterans chairman in Surry County for John McCain’s campaign to run for president. Although Smith is interested in politics, he doesn’t want to turn it into a lifelong job.

“It’s not something I’m going to make a career. I just want to help,” he said.

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.