Smith looks to punch ticket to Rockville Town Board seat

As a lifelong Parke County resident with an extensive military and law enforcement background, Rodger Smith is used to serving.

He wants to continue to serve this election season, as he is running for a spot on the Rockville Town Board. Smith faces a crowded race against fellow Republican Shane Russell and Democrat Kevin Callans. Voters will elect two of the three candidates to serve on the board. 

Since advancing from the May primary, Smith said he has attended Town Board meetings and tried to learn everything he can should he win in November. 

"I have been attending as many town board meetings as I could and participated in parades to get my name out there. I am trying to learn, if elected, and get my feet wet and understand how the meetings are run, things that are discussed and trying to figure it out. If elected, I want to have a little bit of an understanding," Smith told The Parke County Post. 

Smith, a 2000 Rockville High School graduate, served in the Indiana National Guard, including a deployment in Iraq. He is also active with Parke County Incorporated, stating that he enjoys giving back. 

"I enjoy giving back as much as I can to the community to try to make it a better place for everyone to live and enjoy," Smith said. 

Smith said when it comes to the Town of Rockville, money is a big issue. 

"Trying not to raise the utilities to help the offset. At some point, you have to raise the utilities and nobody likes that. The roads, of course, is a concern as always with our entire county. They do the best they can, but their hands are tied when it comes to the budget. I have been looking at how to understand the town's finances and operations, as well as where we can get the biggest bang for our buck," Smith said. 

Smith said he has heard a lot from voters about stormwater rates and utility rates. 

"To be honest, that has been the biggest thing here recently. I think that is fresh in everyone's minds. I don't think the current town board raises rates just for the heck of it, but everything is getting expensive. Unfortunately, we had to do it. Everyone wants fresh water. Everyone wants their sewer to go down the drain and the stormwater taken care of. Everyone wants that and needs that. It comes with a price tag. I think the town has decent roads. There is room for improvements here and there, but I think, overall, they are doing pretty good what they've gotten with what assets they have to utilize," Smith said. 

Another thing Smith would like to see is growth and encouraging the younger generation to stay in Rockville and Parke County. 

"I know growing up, I was one who had no desire to live outside the county. There is a lot of older folks that live in the community and what do we have to offer the younger generation in and keep them here? There are a lot of houses for sale in the community, but we do have the draw of a slower pace and small, hometown feel that is truly unique. I think some people are really looking for that. Our county and town have a lot to offer. Do they have everything? Absolutely not, but we have what we need. It is a pretty amazing community. It is a great place to raise a family, and we have two outstanding school corporations here. I think through time it will happen just people trying to get out of the bigger cities," Smith said. 

Smith says his experiences, along with lessons from his parents and grandparents, have prepared him for a run at political office. 

"It's made me who I am. It's one thing growing up that was instilled by my parents and grandparents -- give back, do for others. I have always tried to help others out, my family and friends and neighbors out. It is who I am and it is what I am raising my kids to do the same and to be involved. So many people want to sit back and be the keyboard warriors and address issues that way, but, sometimes, you have to go and voice your opinion directly to the board. You see all the stuff on social media and the next meeting, you don't see anyone there. If the public doesn't come and voice their concerns, those concerns cannot be addressed and the why cannot be explained," Smith said. 

With early voting underway, Smith said residents should consider him if they are looking for someone who has helped the community and wants to continue to do so. 

"I feel I am one of the best candidates. I was born and raised here. I have a different outlook on things. We are all unique and different in our own ways, but I feel like what I have done so far for our community and what I am willing to do for our community, it is a good reason to vote for me. You look at the county and town leaders, they are getting older and looking at retiring. Who is going to take over? Us younger folks need to get involved, start learning the ropes and be that person that could sustain the community," Smith said.