Ralph K. Smith
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Ralph K. Smith was the mayor of Roanoke, Virginia 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 recently sold 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 has announced that he will challenge incumbent Brandon Bell for the Republican Senate nomination in the 22nd district in the 2007 election.
| Preceded by David A. Bowers |
Roanoke, Virginia Mayor 2000-2004 |
Succeeded by Nelson Harris |
