Find answers to common questions about Taj Smith’s policy platform, campaign priorities, and how community perspectives shape our plans for Washington County.
I am running as an Independent because I believe the challenges facing our community require independent thinking, not blind party allegiance. I have always considered myself an independent voter, grounding my decisions not in rigid party platforms but instead in my core values and positions on the issues most important to my community. I feel hyper-partisan politics is a primary driver of the division that has frustrated and disengaged so many voters and when I chose to run, I realized I had to stay true to who I am as an independent, rather than aligning with any party for convivence. By running as a independent, I am making a commitment to prioritize the interests of all voters in the county, ensuring my loyalty remains with the people and not a political agenda.
When it comes to local governance, I don't see solutions as red or blue. Viewing local politics strictly through a partisan lens creates division when what we truly need is collaboration.
As an independent candidate for Washington County Commissioner, I consider each issue individually rather than aligning with a party platform. Local decision-making shouldn't be an "us versus them" battle. We are all part of the same community, and every resident deserves thoughtful, fair representation regardless of their political affiliation, demographics, background, or beliefs.
My commitment to you is to approach every decision using data and research, listening to residents to understand how policies affect daily lives, and encouraging open dialogue where diverse ideas are welcomed to find the best possible solution.
When you vote for a County Commissioner, the most important question isn't which political party they belong to, but whether they share your core values and have the determination to address our community's real challenges. I am running to represent everyone in Washington County.
He is a SHE! My pronouns are she/her.
It seems that "Taj" comes across as a masculine name, as I often hear people say, who is he?
I am a daughter and a mother of three children. I am also an aunt. I have an endorsement from the Maryland National Organization for Women. I am an independent candidate for County Commissioner and an advocate in our community. When you see the big orange signs across the county, that Taj is not a man, it is me!
To learn more about who I am and my platform check out the Meet Taj Smith and Platform pages of this website.
My platform focuses on infrastructure, economic development, and education. I aim to end the culture of division to create ONE Washington County. It is time for the county to work with all municipalities and consider public input in decision making. Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes! Please check out the platform page for more detailed information on a variety of issues.
I view the county budget as a statement of our county's priorities, it shows exactly where we are investing in our future. My approach is rooted in fiscal responsibility and transparency. I am committed to a line-by-line review of spending to ensure your tax dollars are being used efficiently. More importantly, I want to make the budgeting process more accessible to you, so you know exactly how and where your money is being spent.
I believe effective leadership starts with listening. Throughout the campaign I am having conversations with voters, community leaders, staff, etc. to seek feedback that ensures policy decisions reflect the community’s real needs. I would love to hear from you, please contact me with your thoughts and ideas for the county.
Yes, I am honored to have received an endorsement from these organizations:
Washington County Teachers' Association
Maryland National Organization for Women
Rising to Learn
I believe that effective governance starts with building relationships, not walls! In our race for County Commissioner, there are five available seats, and voters have the opportunity to select up to five individuals they believe will best serve our county. Because of this, I don’t view this election as a competition, but as an opportunity to find the best team for Washington County.
There are three primary reasons you’ll see me at various campaign events:
1. I am a voter, too! Like you, I want to be informed. Whether someone is running for the Board of Education, State’s Attorney, or Sheriff, I want to hear their platform so I can cast an educated vote.
2. Building day-one relationships! If I am fortunate enough to earn one of those five seats, I won’t be working in a vacuum. I will need to collaborate daily with the Sheriff’s office, the school board, and state officials. By attending their events now, I am building the professional relationships necessary to hit the ground running on day one.
3. A commitment to collaboration! I am truly sincere about creating a collaborative Washington County government. Attending events, gathering information, and engaging in honest conversations are the first steps toward a culture of cooperation.
My goal is to work with anyone who holds office to deliver results for our citizens. I hope to earn one of your five votes by proving that I am a candidate who values partnership over partisanship. If you know of any events I should attend, please message me.
I get this one quite a bit! Usually followed by some very specific advice on whether I should wear my hair straight, curly, up, down, or if I look better with or without makeup.
As a local business owner, I believe in investing in my future and supporting local businesses. I paid for a local professional photographer, a beautician, and a makeup artist to do my headshots. They did a phenomenal job, and I love those photos because they made me feel confident and professional.
If I had a "glam squad" following me around at 4:30 AM while I’m getting my household ready for the day, managing my business, volunteering, and campaigning in Washington County, I’d look like that photo every single day. But the reality of a working mom and a dedicated advocate is a bit more... ponytail and hustle.
I’ve noticed a trend; males are rarely, if ever, asked why they don't look like their headshots, nor is their value as a leader tied to their choice of hairstyle or whether they’ve had a "glam" day. Men are seldom required to meet shifting beauty standards just to prove they are capable of doing the job. Yet, for women, these "preferences" are often treated as a prerequisite for leadership. These comments can be a distraction from the real work. We have to look past the surface and ask, who is willing to put in the work, to get the job done?
Most days, I'm out in the community focused on results, not my appearance. Whether I’m in a dress with full makeup or in a sweatshirt with my hair in a bun, I am the same person. My integrity, my education, my experience, and my commitment to this county doesn't change based on my hairstyle. To quote a favorite India Arie song, "I am not my hair. I am not your expectations. I am the soul that lives within."
I am here to be a voice for us all. Some days I'll be camera ready, and most days I will just be work ready. I am choosing to focus on my character and my platform; and I invite you to do the same. Let's stop worrying about my hair and makeup and start working to make Washington County the best it can be.
My commitment to being an Independent is unwavering, and I was, in fact, registered as an independent when the Democratic Central Committee asked me to temporarily fill a vacancy. They were aware of my deep, non-partisan work in the community, where I spent the last two years actively registering voters and encouraging people to run for office because I was concerned about uncontested seats and the lack of change in our county. I chose to assist temporarily in their candidate recruitment efforts because our goals aligned in that specific moment, however after approximately four months, I realized that my most effective work would be done outside of party politics, leading me to resign and focus fully on my mission as an independent advocate for all members of our community.
I am running as an independent candidate. I needs petition signatures to get my name on the ballot. Please visit the contact page to make arrangements to sign.
Volunteers can assist with gathering petition signatures, door knocking, and phone banking. Please visit the get involved page to get started.
Donations can be made using this link: https://donorbox.org/washington-county-for-taj-smith
The Herald Mail published an article of County Commissioner Candidates answers to their questionnaire. The article is behind a paywall. https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/09/14/washington-county-commissioners-candidates-answer-questions/91662947007/
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I have a background in public policy and legislative advocacy. As the former President of the Washington County NAACP, I led local civil rights initiatives and engaged with local government leadership. My experience includes serving on the African American Advisory Board for Congresswoman April McClain Delaney’s office, where I provided community-level policy guidance. My professional background as a paralegal and advocate gives experience in policy research and giving written and oral testimony for legislative hearings.
Data centers should only be allowed if tech companies cover 100% of their power and water infrastructure costs upfront. Financial or environmental burdens should never shift onto local families. Growth cannot come at the expense of our utility rates, rural character, or well water. I would require developers to use closed-loop water recycling, conduct third-party hydrologic and energy capacity studies, and adhere to strict low-frequency noise buffers and setbacks. We must steer heavy digital infrastructure away from farmland and onto designated brownfields, while mandating public comment periods and developer contributions to a local public service fund.
Yes, I strongly support reinstating public comment at county commissioner meetings. Local government works best when it is open, transparent, and accountable to the residents it serves. Public comment is essential for community members to share their concerns, provide local insight, and stay informed. Elected officials have a responsibility to listen to public input and consider diverse perspectives before making decisions that impact our daily lives. Reinstating public comment ensures our local government remains inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the people of Washington County.
Washington County’s greatest need is lowering the cost of living while securing the infrastructure required for sustainable growth. We must ensure our water capacity, public safety, and core services keep pace with development without shifting heavy financial burdens onto everyday taxpayers.
As commissioner, I will address this by conducting a thorough budget audit to eliminate waste and by driving collaboration with municipalities to pool resources and lower costs. We can fund critical priorities, like schools, senior care, and workforce housing, by maximizing non-tax revenue streams, pursuing grants, and requiring large-scale industrial developers to pay their fair share upfront.
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