LETTER TO THE EDITOR: I chair the Small Business Advisory Committee. Here’s why I’m backing Gavin Smith for re-election

When I was asked to serve as Chair of the Town of Lexington’s first-ever Small Business Advisory Committee, I considered it an honor — not just for myself, but for every small business owner who works hard to make the Town of Lexington a thriving place to live and work. Since approximately July 2024, I’ve been in this role, helping to give small business owners a stronger voice in the decisions that affect us.

But let me be clear: this committee wouldn’t exist without Councilmember Gavin Smith.

Gavin was the catalyst who brought this idea forward, wrote the proposal, built support and saw it through until it passed unanimously. More importantly, he hasn’t just checked the box and moved on. He has shown up to every meeting, listened to every concern and worked tirelessly to make sure business owners — even those of us who don’t live in the town limits but generate a huge share of its revenue — finally have a seat at the table.

As a business owner myself, I’ve seen plenty of politicians say they support small businesses. But Gavin is one of the very few who has actually put in the work.

Before this committee existed, Lexington’s business community had no formal channel to be heard. Many business owners don’t live inside town limits, so they can’t vote for town council. And yet, in Fiscal Year 2023, businesses contributed roughly $6.5 million in business license revenue — almost half of the town’s general fund budget.

To put that into perspective: without businesses and the $6.5 million we pay in business license fees, the Town of Lexington would find it challenging to fund critical services like our police department, whose operating budget was roughly $6.8M in FY 2023. That level of impact makes it clear — businesses deserve more than just a line item on the budget. We deserve a voice. And that’s exactly what the Small Business Advisory Committee has provided.

Today, nine business leaders and a Chamber of Commerce designee sit alongside town staff and council to discuss challenges and solutions. Thanks to Gavin’s leadership, the town also launched its first-ever Small Business Survey, reaching out to the more than 4,000 local businesses in our town. That survey is already shaping town policies and showing leaders what really matters to the people who are creating jobs and driving our economy.

Simply put, the committee ensures that business owners finally have a seat and a say — and Gavin Smith made that happen.

One of the things I respect most about Gavin is that his leadership didn’t start after he won office. Even before he was elected, Gavin hosted a roundtable with dozens of business owners. He heard the frustration about impact fees, lack of communication and the feeling of being voiceless. Instead of nodding politely and walking away, he acted. He built and proposed solutions — starting with the Small Business Advisory Committee.

Since then, I’ve seen firsthand how Gavin listens carefully and then works to deliver results. He doesn’t just talk about small business — he shows up for us. That is the difference between politics and true public service.

Small businesses are not a side note in Lexington’s economy. We are its foundation. We provide jobs, sponsor local teams, fuel community events and generate the revenue that keeps town services running.

I’ve worked alongside many elected officials and candidates over the years, but Gavin Smith stands apart. He’s not afraid to ask hard questions, to stand alone when needed or to push for solutions that might not be politically convenient but are absolutely necessary for our community. He knows that a strong small business community means a stronger Lexington.

Re-electing Gavin Smith isn’t just about rewarding past work — it’s about protecting the future. The policies we shape today will determine whether Lexington continues to grow as a business-friendly town or whether we risk falling behind.

I’ve worked with Gavin up close. I’ve seen his work ethic, his integrity and his follow-through. I’ve seen how he listens to business owners who often feel shut out of town decisions. And I’ve seen him act with persistence and care to make sure our concerns are not just heard but addressed.

I’ve yet to come across another candidate as willing as Gavin to sit down, listen and genuinely help. He has proven he is not just a supporter of small business, but a true ally.

That’s why I am urging you to re-elect Gavin Smith to Lexington Town Council on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Our small businesses — and our entire community — will be stronger for it.

I would also encourage you to support Councilmember Todd Carnes and Mayor Pro-Tem Ron Williams. Both have worked alongside Gavin on initiatives like the Small Business Advisory Committee and have consistently shown they value the voices of business owners in Lexington. Together, this team has proven they understand how important small businesses are to the success of our Town, and it is imperative we re-elect them on Nov. 4.