Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
County Commissioner · District 3 · Garrett County · 2026 Primary
County Commissioners act as both the lawmaking body and the executive branch for their county, meaning they pass local ordinances and oversee all county departments. They are responsible for setting property tax rates and adopting the annual budget, which determines funding levels for essential services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency responders. Their decisions on land use and zoning also directly influence how your community grows and what types of businesses or housing can be built.
View all candidates in this raceMichael C. Smith is a Republican candidate for Garrett County Commissioner, District 3 who grew up in Garrett County and graduated from Southern Garrett High School. After joining the United States Navy where he served as a nuclear mechanic on the USS Enterprise for nearly 11 years with two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals and an Admiral's Letter of Appreciation before being medically discharged under honorable conditions as an E-6, Smith returned to Garrett County with his wife Shawn (Bishoff) to raise their two daughters. He earned a dual Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering and a master's in business administration from West Virginia University, then worked at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory for almost 20 years as a facilities engineer/project manager managing multimillion-dollar projects. Smith has been a volunteer with the National Ski Patrol for over 18 years, qualified as an instructor/examiner and first responder, coached youth football and girls' softball, served as an officer for over 17 years at Oakland Elks Lodge, and is a member of the American Legion and Deer Park Sportsman's Club.
Jobs
Smith identifies jobs as one of the key issues that need to be fixed in Garrett County
“jobs, education, taxes, roads”
Education
Education is listed among the issues Smith says need fixing for citizens and families
“jobs, education, taxes, roads”
Tax Policy
Smith identifies taxes as one of the key issues affecting Garrett County residents that needs attention
“jobs, education, taxes, roads”
Infrastructure
Roads are specifically mentioned by Smith as an issue requiring fixes in the county
“roads”
According to WVNews staff reports from July 5, 2022, Smith identifies as not being a politician but rather a problem solver who wants to work with and for Garrett County citizens on issues affecting families. He acknowledges specific problems needing attention including jobs, education, taxes, and roads. The article notes his pro-gun, pro-life, and pro-law enforcement positions alongside his extensive background in military service, engineering, and community volunteer work.