Missouri House 155th District: Travis Smith, Republican, and Mike Lind, Democrat

Travis Smith

REPUBLICAN

Personal information: I’m happily married to Karen, the love of my life. We have four grown children and one grandson. I sold my business in West Plains, and we purchased Twin Bridges Campground and Canoe Rental just this month. I was born and raised in Southern Missouri. I’ve been a small business owner and a real estate developer for over 30 years. I’ve also coached high school football and track in West Plains for the last 17 years. I am a Christian and a conservative Republican who will always fight for the unborn, disabled and elderly. I will always protect property and privacy rights. I am committed to always being accessible.

Experience and education: I have a B.A. from Mizzou and an MBA from William Woods. I have served on many civic and community boards, including the Ozarks Medical Center Board, where I worked to help secure financing for the hospital’s recent expansion. I currently serve as secretary of the OMC board. 

Thoughts about legislation that replaces local control with state control on issues related to such things as concentrated animal feeding operations and when school districts can start their year: I’m a huge believer in local control, especially for county commissioners and school boards. Each political district is unique and deserves leadership that understands those differences and ideologies.

What new ideas do you have for bringing new jobs to this area, especially Ozark County? What new goal or project do you hope to accomplish? I’ve recommended setting up a program of “cowboy consultants” where local ag producers show new landowners how to manage their property or, better yet, provide services such as brush hogging, bulldozing, fertilizing, livestock management, etc. People from urban areas are used to paying a good price for services. Also, I’d love to help bring more high-speed internet to the 155th District, which could help residents find jobs where they can work from home, help students who are learning online and allow more residents to use telemedicine to consult with medical pros without leaving home. The one promise I can be sure to deliver on is being accessible to my constituents. People want to know their voice is heard and respected. 

What distinguishes you from your opponent? I’ve never met my opponent so I’d say our biggest difference would be how much more I’m out working for the people of this district and will continue doing so long after the campaign is over.  I love my country, state and this district and will do my best to serve it with hard work and honor. 

Mike Lind

DEMOCRAT

The Times was unable to contact the candidate.