Letter to the editor: Rep. Smith hears concerns of constituents, helps when he can

I recently read the claim that Speaker Murrell Smith does not do anything for his constituents. People are certainly entitled to their political opinions and to support the candidate of their choosing. But as one of Murrell Smith's constituents, I feel compelled to speak about something I know firsthand: That statement simply does not reflect my family's experience.

My experience with Murrell did not begin during this election cycle. It spans more than two decades.
Our relationship originally began professionally when my family hired and paid Murrell, in his capacity as an attorney, to assist us with an adoption. That is the only time my family has ever paid Murrell for his assistance. In the more than 20 years since, there have been several occasions when my family has faced difficult circumstances and I have reached out to him — not as our attorney, but as our elected representative. He has never charged us for that help, nor has there been anything in it for him personally. He simply listened, responded and, when he could, helped.

Years later, when we encountered difficulties involving Sumter Behavioral Health and needed assistance navigating a system that wasn't working the way it should, I reached out to Murrell. He responded.
Today, much of my advocacy involves my grandson Riley and the services and systems that affect children with disabilities and the families who care for them. Once again, Murrell has listened.

When issues involving South Carolina's Community Home-Based Waiver services arose, they weren't simply numbers in a state budget to families like mine. Decisions made in Columbia have very real consequences in our homes. Murrell has been accessible and willing to hear those concerns.

His interest has also extended beyond policy. He has invited Riley to come to the Statehouse and observe the House in session — an opportunity that means something to a child and a family and certainly wasn't something he was obligated to do.

I am not writing this letter to tell anyone how to vote. Nor am I suggesting that anyone must agree with every vote Murrell Smith has cast or every position he has taken. That is not how representative government works.

I am writing because there is an important difference between disagreeing with an elected official and saying that he does nothing for the people he represents.

For more than 20 years, at very different stages of my family's life and under very different circumstances, I have reached out to Murrell Smith when we needed help. He has listened. He has responded. And when he could help, he has.

I can only speak to my own experience, but I can speak to that experience with certainty.

When my family needed our representative, Murrell Smith was there.

JOYCE SHREVE
Sumter