Susan B. Smith

Susan Bitter Smith, a small business owner and association executive, was a Republican candidate in the 2008 congressional elections for the 5th Congressional District (map) of Arizona. She was seeking the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Ariz.). She narrowly lost in the primary election which took place on September 2, 2008. Smith serves as President of the Central Arizona Project Board of Directors, and is reportedly considering a 2010 run.

2010 elections

 * Susan Bitter Smith is seeking the Republican nomination to challenger Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Ariz.) in the 2010 congressional elections.

Susan Bitter Smith serves Arizona as the President of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District. She is serving her second term on the C.A.P. Board, elected by the good people of Maricopa County. Susan Bitter Smith is also serving her second term as President of the Board of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, elected by her fellow board members, reflecting the confidence of her peers in her proven leadership abilities and dedication to the interests of Arizonans and their water resources. In her tenure, Susan was instrumental in working with Arizona's Congressional Delegation in the settlement of the CAWCD Repayment Settlement Dispute with the United States Department of the Interior and the federal finalization of the Arizona Water Settlements Act and played a decisive role in a recent 25 percent reduction in property taxes for CAP taxpayers.

Susan Bitter Smith is a Scottsdale native and has spent her life developing leadership skills that enhance her heart to be of service. Susan began as President of the Student Senate and President of the National Honor Society as a child, and moved on to being Student Senate President, graduating with honors from Arizona State University, obtaining both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business. Susan also served in Washington D.C. as the National Vice Chairman of the College Republicans. In later years, Susan continued her dedicated service as Chairman of the ASU Alumni Association, Honorary Chair of the ASU MBA Alumni Association, and as Chairman of the Endowment Board of ASU's Walter Cronkite School. In 2003, ASU honored Susan by presenting her the Alumni Achievement Award.

Volunteer contributions include service as a Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout Troop Leader, board member for the Emily Center of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, board member of Arizona’s Anti-Meth Task Force, founding board member of Family Emergency Service Center, member of Development Board of Saint Theresa Catholic School. In 2005, the Girl Scouts recognized Susan as one of their World Award Winners, citing her leadership in Advocacy. Additionally, Susan was director of the Morrison Institute of Public Policy and a past chair of the Arizona First Amendment Coalition.

Currently, Susan Bitter Smith is a small business owner of a successful enterprise called Technical Solutions and the Executive Director of the Arizona - New Mexico Cable Communications Association. As a successful business owner, she was a past Chairman of the American Society of Association Executives and a past Chairman of the Arizona Society of Association Executives. In 2001, ASAE awarded its highest award, the Key Award for Lifetime Achievement. Susan Bitter Smith’s governmental record of successes, in addition to serving on the CAWCD Board, include having served two terms as a member of the Balsz Elementary School District Governing Board, where she helped lead a reorganization of the district, and having served as Vice-Mayor and City Council Member in the City of Scottsdale, active in the areas of economic development, planning and zoning reform, water delivery issues, and budgetary reform. Additionally, Susan was a Reagan delegate to the 1980 Republican National Convention, chaired the Arizonans for Bush campaign in 1988 and 1992, and was Chairman of the Steve Forbes for President campaign in Arizona in 1996.

Committees
will be assigned committees if and when she is elected to Congress.

Contact
Susan Bitter Smith for Congress campaign website

Susan Bitter Smith for Congress 5806 E. Lewis Ave Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Email: info@bittersmith.com Phone: 602-339-9203

Related SourceWatch articles

 * 2008 U.S. congressional elections
 * 2008 U.S. congressional election dates
 * Portal:Arizona and the U.S. Congress
 * Central Arizona Project

External resources

 * 2008 Race Tracker page on Alabama’s 5th Congressional District
 * Official Susan B. Smith for Congress Website