Letter to the editor: Murrell Smith makes our community, our state stronger

I have known Murrell Smith to be a man of integrity who truly cares about his community and the state of South Carolina. Murrell has been an advocate for Sumter and our state throughout his career, and he brings a broad vision to the way he leads - representing his district and its citizens with thoughtfulness and care.

His public service and work have helped to strengthen many local nonprofits that help the people of Sumter and our surrounding community. Public-private partnerships have been strong on his watch, and the result has impacted our community in positive ways. He is able to build rapport with numerous organizations and businesses, work across the aisles and communicate with various leaders in public office and private business.

His service extends beyond business and economics, however, and he takes into account the everyday lives of South Carolinians. Through meaningful, tangible actions Murrell is effective at improving quality of life for South Carolinians.

As I have gotten to know Murrell over the years, I see the pride he takes in representing our community. The time and effort he invests in his work is a reflection of his desire to make our community better and better each year. Not every community has the opportunity to be represented by the speaker of the House. Through hard work and sound principles, he has moved into senior leadership positions at the state level, and I look forward to seeing him continue to lead our community and state into a better future.

FRANK O. EDWARDS

Sumter