Susan Scarborough Smith
For SC House of Representatives, District 21 (D)
** This election will take place on December 14, 2010 **
Susan Scarborough Smith first came to South Carolina 20 years ago and immediately fell in love with the Palmetto State. She worked as a reporter in Charleston, SC where she met her husband Todd.
Her TV career took her from Charleston to Spartanburg's WSPA-TV where she covered the birth of BMW, even traveling to Germany to cover the first developments of the story that has changed the landscape of the Upstate.
Susan also worked as a freelance reporter for Fox 21 in Greenville before she and her husband opened their own business, EmbroidMe, in Taylors in 2005.
She has been heavily involved in local schools, serving as Chair for two Student Improvement Councils.
Susan is a member of the Greer Chamber and has worked with the Alliance for Quality Education to support Greenville County Public Schools and its "Enough is Enough" rallies.
Susan grew up on her family's cattle ranch in central Florida and is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in TV Journalism. She has earned numerous journalism awards including an Emmy for her special report on children with disabilities.
Scarborough-Smith is an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church where she is a religious education teacher and is a member of the Church’s Parish Council.
Susan and her husband Todd have two children who attend Northwood Middle School on Greenville’s Eastside.
Please visit http://www.electsusanscarboroughsmith.com/ for more information.
Here are Ms. Scarborough-Smith's answers to some questions posed by the
Institute.
What is the first political event or experience you can remember? How did it affect you?
When I was just 10 years old, my grandmother ran for State Representative in Florida. It was 1978 and although I didn't realize it at the time, she was breaking down so many barriers for women like me. I knocked on doors with her and passed out literature across her district. She didn't win her election, but that experience taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. I wish she were alive today to see my campaign!
South Carolina would be a better place if only…
it would make education a priority. Education is very close to my heart. It is the driving force behind my decision to run for office. Unfortunately, education is not a priority in Columbia! Until we focus on preparing our children for 1st grade and improving the graduation rate…our state will always be left behind.
Why you – why now for this position?
Believe me…there were a million reasons NOT to run. I’m a mother, wife, business owner, PTA and SIC volunteer …the list goes on and on. But the more I thought about it… Those ARE the very reasons WHY I am running. I am a mother… I am a business owner, I am a school volunteer! Columbia needs more people like me to make sure our concerns are heard.
What is something about you that your friends would be surprised to learn?
My childhood friends all know this, but many of my South Carolina friends have no idea that I spent much of my childhood in a large back brace. I was very athletic, but I was not allowed to play basketball in high school because of my disability. Wanting to still be involved, I picked up a microphone and started announcing the games. I never looked at my disability as a stumbling block... but as a launching pad for my TV career!
Has political office been a life long dream/goal of yours or has something moved you to this decision?
When you are a reporter and you cover politics, I think at some time or another, the thought of running for office crosses your mind. You think, I can certainly do a better job than they can! So many people have encouraged me to run, but I kept saying, "When the time is right." I finally realized...the time is now!