Harri Anne Smith - A Real Fighter For People

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
Date: Oct 27 2018 11:38 AM

ALABAMA DISTRICT 29:     If you ever want someone in your corner then you want Harri Anne Smith there.

When I first met Alabama Emergency Management Director Brian Hastings over a year ago, he might not have known any other Senator, State Representative or cabinet member. But Hastings knew Senator Harri Anne.

When there are needs, when there is Weather devastation, Senator Smith is working those needs calling - making connections and making things happen. She has the back of the people of District 29. But also the backs of people far reaching then District 29.

Some examples, Senator Smith has worked to try and make sure the Florida people who sought refuge to Alabama have FEMA representation because displaced from Florida.

Senator Smith has played key roles in making sure teams were here with EMA Directors Misty Wise of Geneva County and EMA Director Chris Judah To Make damage assessments. Senator Smith has made connections working to make sure farmers will get future assistance.

I laugh at the fact the last thing you want is Harri Anne on your butt. She will latch on and make it happen.

Senator Smith stays up until 2 and 3 AM personally posting and interacting with FB about their questions and needs. She knows who to call or will find out who to call.

Harri Anne is a fighter. If you have ever been to the Alabama Legislature, it is a zoo. To make it through 20 years of service at legislature has been no easy task. Then to go through what politics has put her through just because she fights for those she represents has been unreal.

Think about it... the Republican Party...kicked her out as a Republican because she stood for what she felt in her heart was right for Southeast Alabama, not for what was right for Republicans or Democrats. Then they had her arrested, federally, only because she went against the “establishment”.

She whipped their ass in court, but costing her personally about one million plus dollars defending herself. But she was NOT GUILTY and two trials juries agreed.

These Republicans then spent over $ 8 million dollars in two elections trying to beat her. She again whipped their buttocks.

The very people who once supported her that are the”gray poppons” ( those who think they are above everyone else and don’t stink when they go to the bathroom ) type people. You know who you are and the people know, treated her like a mangy ‘ol dog. But Harri Anne whipped them.

Harri Anne Smith is a gem of a lady. But she is one heck of a fighter. And she fights for all people, no matter where you are in life.

And as one who has known her for decades, been on the other end of that phone with orders to get something done for a citizen, and as a friend, Harri Anne is one you want fighting for you.

It was not the opponent, the establishment, the politics that made her not seek re-election. It was one thing, the love of her life. Her husband Charlie. At the time decisions had to be made Charlie was battling cancer. Charlie has overcome that battle but only after treatment and surgery.

No doubt in my mind no one could have beat her if she had decided to run. Some have started a write in campaign for the November 6 election. 

Regardless Of November 6, this area needs Harri Anne in our corner. That corner is the people’s corner.

During Hurricane Michael, you did not see Harri Anne at photo ops. But her voice was powerful in moving mountains for people’s needs. Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management was in daily contact multiple times a day with Senator Smith. Geneva County Emergency Management and Geneva County Sheriff Tony Helms were in daily contact with her. She made things happen.

And Alabama Emergency Management Director Brian Hastings was in daily personal contact with Senator Harri Anne.

She makes things happen.

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