Working to improve Smithville was a common theme as the three men vying for mayor took center stage at the Smithville Review candidate forum.

“The voters absolutely have to hold us accountable,” said Josh Miller, current alderman and mayoral candidate, noting recent trends have seen less people voting. “People just don’t care and that’s sad because it affects my life and it affects your lives.”

The five-year veteran of the aldermanic council said he will work hard if elected and will make sure the office of mayor is transparent.

“I will be transparent with the council and the voters,” Miller pledged. “I will put my heart into this.”

As for issues facing the city, Miller said the number-one thing he hears about from constituents are halfway houses around town. Halfway houses are stop off points for state prisoners before they are released fully back into society. Miller admitted he does not have the answer but it something he will work on as mayor.

Incumbent Mayor Jimmy Poss agreed halfway houses are an issue that bothers city residents but there is little the city can do since it is a state mandate.

“They do cause problems,” the mayor admitted. “College Street is a halfway street.”

The mayor pointed out the economy has grown during his time in office, complimenting his opponent Miller and his father for helping new building starts in the city.

“When I came into office, it was flat with no growth,” the mayor said.

As for issues facing the city, the mayor said drugs top the list and that they are hurting the area economically.
“We got a problem here with getting people to work,” the mayor said, noting there are jobs available. “They can’t pass a drug test. I hate drugs.”

Curtis Rust said he would like to see a controlled growth in Smithville.

“There are many problems we need to address,” he admitted, adding his has lived in Smithville for the past eight years after moving here from White County. He works as warehouse manager of the local Co-op.

“I love my city,” he said, adding that as an Army veteran he works closely with veteran’s organizations and has served as state commander of AmVets.