Ralph K. Smith
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| Ralph K. Smith | |
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Member of the Virginia State Senate
from the 22nd district |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Brandon Bell |
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| Born | July 19, 1942 Roanoke, Virginia |
| Political party | Republican |
| Profession | businessman |
| Religion | Baptist |
Ralph K. Smith was the mayor of Roanoke, Virginia, United States from 2000 to 2004. A Republican, he was elected with 35% of the vote in a three way race for mayor of the predominantly Democratic city. Smith is a businessman who formerly owned a company he founded that specializes in the fabrication of trailer hitches. He declined to run for re-election in 2004 as the majority Democratic city council often opposed his proposals to limit spending. He also focused on initiatives such as the creation of the Western Virginia Water Authority, which consolidated the water delivery systems of Roanoke City and Roanoke County, and the attempt to attract a low-cost carrier to Roanoke Regional Airport. He subsequently moved to neighbouring Botetourt County, Virginia, and defeated incumbent Brandon Bell for the Republican Senate nomination in the 22nd district in the 2007 election and Democrat Michael Breiner in the November 6 general election.
| Preceded by David A. Bowers |
Roanoke, Virginia Mayor 2000-2004 |
Succeeded by Nelson Harris |
