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Smith touts experience, skills to school board race
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GAINESVILLE — Gainesville City Board of Education candidate Sammy Smith said he believes the key strengths of his campaign include business management and experience with public budgets.

Smith, 54, said he also has "expertise in understanding state and national mandates, keen knowledge of governing and a 30-year career in public communications."

"I believe in fairness, in partnering with the business community and in empowering teachers," he said. "I support exceptional learning opportunities with realistic goals.

As a citizen and taxpayer, I’ve always been a part of our school system."

Smith couldn’t be reached for comment for a story than ran in The Times Sunday previewing the school board’s Ward 5 election.

He faces Eric Oliver, who works in customer service for Turbo Logistics, in what is the school board’s only contested race.

The incumbent, Frank Harben, is not running for re-election.

Two other seats on the board are open.

Maria Calkins is unopposed in her bid to succeed Lee Highsmith in Ward 2 and incumbent Willie Mitchell faces no opposition in his re-election bid for the Ward 3 seat.