Opinion: Speaker Murrell Smith: Thank you, Sumter!

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This past week, I was humbled to celebrate my election as Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives here in my hometown of Sumter. "Team Sumter," the leaders, advocates and citizens in our community, have been among my greatest support through my 21 years of public service. When I took office in 2001, I pledged to work hard on behalf of all the citizens of Sumter. Upon my title changing from member to chairman, and now, to Speaker of the House, my promise remained the same. I intend to keep that promise for as long as I am chosen to represent District 67.

Sumter is a special place. It is the place I was raised and the place I returned to build a career and raise a family of my own. My values are rooted in the community. Sumter is the place where I am grounded regardless of where my work takes me. It is home. Sumter is special because of our shared goal: to make it the best place to live, work, play, raise a family or build a business.

When I think of Sumter's current and continued success, as well as my own personal ascension representing Sumter in the House, I am reminded of former U.S. Speaker Paul Ryan's words: "Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together." I know that Sumter's success would not be possible without the leaders of our community and the people who work hard every day to make it happen. And my success would not be possible without them.

Serving District 67 has been and continues to be the honor of my lifetime. As the excitement from last week's celebration wanes, know that the gratitude I have for our community endures and my commitment to serve with a spirit of collaboration and collegiality for all of Sumter remains. Thank you, Team Sumter!

S.C. Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, serves as the South Carolina Speaker of the House.