While I was a "stay at home" mom when my children were born, I was always an active volunteer with the HCISD. In 1990, I began substituting for the Hays school district while continuing to care for my family and taking Criminal Justice classes at ACC. I was offered the position of Campus Mgr. for the Hays campus and continued that through 1998.
Because of my love for people, solution finding, and interest in the community, I was instrumental in helping Mt. City incorporate in 1984. I was elected the same year as the First Mayor of Mountain City, and served until 1998, when beginning my career as a JP.
In 1997, I was awarded the a Live Oak Masonic Lodge Award for distinguished accomplishments and dedicated service as a citizen, public servant, and involvement in community affairs. This is an award I am very proud of, as my father was a Shriner for over 50 yrs.
I have served on many Boards since election as your pct. 2 Justice of the Peace in addition to my regular duties including, but not limited to:
- Justice of the Peace Constables Association 1999-present
- Texas Association of Judges 2008- Present
- American Municipal Judges Association-2001-Present
- Standing member of Hays County Criminal Justice Association- President 2006-2008
- Former Board of Directors, Hays Caldwell on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, winning the distinguished President's Award in 2006
- Former Board of Directors Hays County Child Protective Services
- Former Board of Directors Hays County Women's Center
- Former Board of Directors Kyle/CTMC community relations
- Former President, Gang Response Intervention Program
- President, Hays County ESD #5, 27 years
- Former Administrative Board of Directors, Kyle United Methodist Church
- Board of Directors, Infant Fatality Review Board
- Presiding Judge: Buda, Uhland, Neiderwald, San Leanna,
- Associate Judge City of Kyle-2001-present, Interim, for 2 years
- JP representative for Hays County Bail Bond Board since inception
- Former Lion's Club member 9 years (Lehman Leo Sponsor)
- Serving on Advisory BOD for ACC Criminal Justice Department, Elected President in 2012, still serving
- Member Kyle Chamber of Commerce
- I shared the 2012 Hope & Love 4 Kids Award with Adele Hurst for Community Servant of the year
- Numerous Certificates and awards for appreciation to the community.
- Congressional Recognition Thu, April 14, 2005
Party
D
State
TX
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished public service of Hays County Justice of the Peace Beth Smith.
Beth Smith attended Austin Community College and Southwest Texas State University, studying Criminal Justice. She has set an example for other law enforcement professionals by continuously updating her educational credentials, working as a Campus Manager for Austin Community College and substitute teaching for the Hays County Independent School District. She was elected as the First Mayor of Mountain City in 1984, and served in that capacity for 14 years.
Judge Smith has been tremendously active in the community. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hays Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and the President of the Gang Response Intervention Program. She has held the position of Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Kyle, and is President of Hays County Rural Fire District #5.
Ms. Smith is married to her husband Everett, and has three children. She was first elected to office in 1999, and represents Precinct 2 on the County Justice Court. She has been especially zealous protecting the well-being of Hays County youth, and has been consistently involved with intervention programs to help those most at risk.
Justice of the Peace Beth Smith is a tremendous resource for her community, both as a volunteer and a public official. She has served her neighbors with distinction, and I am honored to have the chance to recognize her here today.
- Induction into Judicial college since 2008 for training above and beyond requirements
As the population and case #s grow exponentially in Pct. 2, I have had to cut back on Boards and some community service commitments. I participate in as many functions and committees as time allows while being committed to my family, and position.