Jason Smith believes our Sheriff should be a professional leader, not a professional politician.
For twenty-two years, Jason Smith did what his country asked of him; as a Marine Corps infantry officer, he led Marines at every rank in his career, including two combat tours in Iraq as a company commander. Despite a very successful career, including receiving the Silver Star Medal for his leadership in combat, he chose to come home to Washington Parish and serve in a different way. His family's farm in Mt. Hermon was recognized as a Louisiana Centennial Farm and he determined to do what was necessary to safeguard it for another generation.
He implemented cost-effective practices that complemented the natural cycle of the 130-year-old farm and began the transformation to a modern successful business, Smith Angus. Jason and his wife Rebekah, a Washington Parish public school educator, have a legacy of public service and protection they hope to instill in their children; Jason also encourages veterans struggling with PTSD to experience the peace and healing of a day on the farm.
When career politicians sued him, even though his farm was following the law, Jason Smith stood up to the bullies, protected his customers from paying taxes, and won a historic court battle to protect all Louisiana farmers from improper government overreach. Jason was overwhelmed by the public support his family received but was disappointed to hear from other citizens and business owners who reached out to tell their stories of abuse by the government.
Jason eventually realized he had to lead by example, offering himself for public service and taking back Washington Parish from out-of-touch and money-hungry politicians. He is committed to making institutional changes that build trust with the community and help law enforcement to prevent and respond to crime, improving the quality of life for all our families.
Jason Smith is the son of a Louisiana State Police officer and an expert military recruiter who understands how to recruit, retain and train strategic peace officers to make our community safer. His record of identifying and implementing the best training made him a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College and a Marine Corps University award winner for teaching excellence.
The Smith family attends church at Mt. Hermon Methodist Church, and Jason and Rebekah count their many blessings, including their five biggest ones: Jackson, Winston, Maggie, August, and Everett.
SERVE AND PROTECT
As sheriff, Jason will reward results, not political loyalty. He will cut the department fat, starting with the sheriff’s salary, to invest in increased, fair, competitive salaries for every employee, a culture of autonomy in the workplace that relies on deputy expertise, and the best training to keep deputies and the community safe.
A SHERIFF FOR ALL OF WASHINGTON PARISH
Public safety should not be determined by privilege or political connection. From Bogalusa to Franklinton and from State Line to Stoney Point, we need a sheriff who works for all of us by taking responsibility for public safety parish-wide.
ENFORCE THE LAW AND KEEP THE PEACE
Jason will combat crime before it happens by eliminating at-risk behaviors and fighting drug-related crime through proven community strategies. As Sheriff, Jason will train and retain peace officers who de-escalate interactions and protect life and property through smarter, not harder, law enforcement.
Let’s Talk.
Jason Smith wants to hear from you - what do you value about Washington Parish? What issues of public safety and security would you like to see addressed? Schedule fifteen minutes here for Jason to give you a call - he’s eager to connect with you.