Smith named local Republican of the Year, over 180 attend annual dinner

The Marion County Republican Party has announced that Jacqueline Smith has been named the 2014 Marion County Republican of the Year. The local party also recently held their annual Harding Day Dinner where over 180 heard from Ohio Auditor Dave Yost.

Since moving to Marion in 2008, Smith has been active in its political life. She serves as a Republican member of the Board of Elections, President of Marion Republican Women, and was recently appointed to the Program Committee of The Ohio Federation of Republican Women.

Along with politics Smith takes an active role in our community. She served on several Chamber groups for the betterment of Marion, is president of her church council, and a tireless worker for Marion Matters, the Homeless Shelter, Habitat for Humanity. During the month of December you can find Jackie at the Kroger Store on Delaware Ave. ringing the Salvation Army bell.  A retired teacher and administrator she served over two generations of students and their families.

Smith and her husband Don, a retired Legal Aid attorney and a candidate for Marion City Auditor, are proud parents of Meredith and her husband, Curtis, a combat veteran, and prouder yet of their grandchildren- Anthony, Adrianna, Curtis and Callan. As a family, the Smiths raised Seeing Eye Dogs and they believe that was the most worthwhile endeavor of all.

Smith was recognized by her peers at the 41st Annual Harding Day Dinner held on March 26, 2015.

Bringing his message of governmental accountability, State Auditor Dave Yost addressed a crowd of over 180 supporters attending the annual dinner. County Chairman John Matthews attributed the near record-high attendance at the annual fundraiser to the popularity of Yost and growing interest and support of this year’s municipal slate of Republican candidates.

The evening began with a special welcome from Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges, who provided an update on the Republican National Convention to be held in Cleveland in July 2016. The evening concluded with a series of special recognitions and awards for local volunteers, and Chairman Matthews promoting the #ChangeMarion platform.