Melinda Smyser
| Melinda Smyser | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Idaho Senate from District 11 | |
|
In office January 16, 2009 – December 1, 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Brad Little |
| Succeeded by | Patti Anne Lodge |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
October 29, 1958[1] Caldwell, Idaho |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | C.A. "Skip" Smyser |
| Residence | Parma, Idaho |
| Alma mater |
University of Idaho College of Idaho |
| Profession | Caldwell School District-Safe and Drug Free School Coordinator/Counselor |
| Religion | Presbyterian[2] |
Melinda S. Smyser (born October 29, 1958) is a Republican Idaho State Senator, representing the 11th District since 2009. She received a Bachelor of Science with a double major in C/T/Design and Education and Extension from the University of Idaho. She also received a master's degree in Education/Counseling from the College of Idaho.[1]
Early life and career
Melinda Smyser was born in Caldwell, raised in Middleton, and graduated from Middleton High School. She received a Bachelor of Science with a double major in C/T/Design and Education and Extension from the University of Idaho. She also received a master's degree in Education/Counseling from the College of Idaho.[2] Smyser has been an educator and counselor for over twenty-five years and currently serves on the Parma School Board. Smyser is married to C.A. "Skip" Smyser and is the mother of four.
Politics
Smyser previously served as the President of the Idaho Federation of Republican Women, co-Chair of the Idaho State Republican Party Platform Committee and has been a Precinct Committeewoman for over twenty years.
Smyser is a Safe and Drug Free School Coordinator/Counselor for the Caldwell School District.
Senate appointment and career
In 2009, Smyser was appointed to represent Idaho's 11th Legislative District which encompasses both Gem and Canyon Counties after Brad Little was appointed Lieutenant Governor. In 2010 she was elected with 10,386 votes (73.3%) against Democrat Shannon L. Forrester and independent Kirsten Faith Richardson.[3]
Committees
Smyser served on the following Committees:[2]
- Senate Agricultural Affairs (Vice-Chair)
- Senate Commerce and Human Resources (Member)
- Senate Health and Welfare (Member)
Work experiences
Smyser's work experiences include:[2]
- Caldwell School District P.R. Coordinator (1998–2000)
- Caldwell Alternative High School Counselor (1989–1997)
- Parma School District Counselor (1984–1989)
- Wilder School District Teacher (1982–1984)
Professional associations
Smyser is currently associated with the following organizations:[2]
- Mentoring Network Inc. (1999–present)
- Canyon County Local Emergency Planning Committee (2007–2010)
- State Safe and Drug Free Schools Region 3 (Co-Chair) (2007–present)
- State Dept. of Education: Safe and Drug-free Schools
- Local and State School Boards Associations (Vice-Chair of Parma School Board) (1998–2008)
- State Juvenile Justice Commission Member (2002)
- Governor's State Safe School Task Force Committee (1999–2000)
- School Counselor Association State President
- American Counseling Association - Member and Delegate to the National Leadership Development Conference (1990–1994)
- Idaho School Counselor's Association
- Idaho Counseling Association - Public Policy and Legislative Committee Chairperson (1994–1996)
Civic activities
Smyser currently participates in the following civic activities:[2]
- Education Technology Committee (2011–present)
- P.E.O. Parma Chapter
- Sunday School Teacher (Sterry Memorial Presbyterian Church)
- Republican Precinct Person
- Republican District 11 Chair (2000–2010)
- Lifetime Member of the NRA
- Founded The Canyon County Week-Day Republican Women's Club (1998) (2-Term President)
- Idaho Federation of Republican Women (President (2007–2009))
- Served as both the 1st and 2nd Vice President of the Idaho Federation of Republican Women
- Chaired The Idaho Federation of Republican Women Convention in Nampa (2004)
- Served as Idaho Federation of Republican Women Board District Director and Program Chair
- State Republican Convention Co-Chair for 2006 and 2008 Platform Committee
- Served as Chair for many Political Candidates in the 2010 MidTerm Elections
- Served as Constitution Chair for Canyon County Schools for Idaho Federation of Republican Women
- Chaired the Parent Involvement Team for Parma High School
- Coached Sports in Parma and started the Mini Soccer Program
- YMCA Building Campaign Volunteer in Caldwell
- Mentoring Network Board Member and Volunteer
Honors and recognition
Smyser has received the following awards and recognition:[2]
- FFA Honorary Degree Award (2011)
- AG Alstars (2008–2010)
- Canyon County Republican of the Year (2008)
- Tribute to Republican Women (2000)
- Outstanding Republican Women (1999)
- Canyon County Hall of Fame "Outstanding Republican" (1999)
- Outstanding Republican Hall of Fame (1998)
- Counselor of Year State of Idaho
Retirement
On March 5, 2012, Smyser announced that she would not be seeking re-election; redistricting would have forced a primary contest with fellow Republican Senator Patti Anne Lodge in the newly redrawn District 11, stating “I have every intention to stay involved and I will announce my future plans soon.”[4]
2016 United States GOP Presidential Elector
As one of Idaho's four GOP presidential electors in the 2016 United States Presidential Election, she has received public pressure to abandon Donald Trump, with some phone calls amounting to harassment.[5]
References
- 1 2 "Senate Membership". Idaho Legislature. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Senator Melinda S. Smyser's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
- ↑ Ysursa, Ben. "November 2, 2010 General Election Results". Boise, Idaho: Secretary of State of Idaho. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ↑ "Sen. Melinda Smyser of Parma will not seek re-election". The Idaho Press-Tribune. March 5, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ↑ Dentzer, Bill (2016-11-15). "Electoral College: Are Idaho's 4 electors being pressured to dump Trump, or harassed?". The Idaho Statesman.