When devastating hurricane floods struck his hometown in 2004, Mayor Pat Smathers had two options: Rebuild or build better.

Smathers, a problem solving Democrat, chose the latter, partnering with fellow community leaders and state government to strengthen the mountain town his family has called home for eight generations.

As mayor, school board attorney and former champion high school and college athlete, Smathers has learned what small towns expect of their leaders: A dedication to success. A willingness to work hard. And the resourcefulness to create solutions that work for everyone.

“It’s time to fulfill those expectations at the state level,” says Smathers, a husband, father of two and retired lieutenant colonel in the National Guard. “North Carolinians deserve a leader who will meet our state’s challenges with openness, optimism and invested innovations. As lieutenant governor, I will honor those hometown values we all share.”