William C. Smith Jr.

Daily Record Staff//February 28, 2023

//February 28, 2023

Chair, Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, Maryland Senate

As Chairman of the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, Sen. William C. “Will” Smith Jr. oversees some of the most important pieces of legislation in the state.

As the 50th chairman and the first African American to hold the chairmanship, Smith has championed criminal justice reform and led efforts to increase and provide economic and educational opportunities in Maryland.

What is the most valuable habit you have developed?

The most valuable habit I have developed in the Senate is that of convening people to solve problems and doing so in a radically inclusive manner. As elected officials, we have the ability to call upon experts, academics, advocates, and impacted communities to help us solve problems. If we seize upon the opportunity to bring people together and we do so in an inclusive manner, there is no limit to our potential.

What is the biggest challenge facing government leaders in Maryland?

Polarization and ‘otherism’ are the biggest challenges facing leaders at every level of government service. Thoughtful policymaking requires radically inclusive thinking and a willingness to engage those with opposing views. If we are to address the biggest challenges in Maryland, we need leaders who have strong convictions and open minds.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Power Government & Lobbyist list for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com>.

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