A Proven Advocate for Our Community

My life as a mother of three and my professional career have both been centered on one core mission: advocacy. I am ready to bring effective, compassionate leadership to Washington County. I hold a degree in Human Services: Child & Family Welfare, along with a Paralegal certificate. My commitment to advocacy is also deeply personal, having developed strong skills while advocating for the needs of my three children- two on the Autism Spectrum, one of which also has a seizure disorder. My deeply held passion and professional experience ensure that I will tirelessly champion the voices of those often left out of decision making processes. Owning an advocacy business, holding non-profit leadership roles, and participating on various advocacy teams, I possess the expertise and relationships necessary to be an effective County Commissioner.

Proven Leadership for Washington County

Experience, vision, and dedication to move our community forward together.

I have a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service. My track record in community leadership, policy research, and problem-solving uniquely qualifies me to serve as your next County Commissioner. Discover the core strengths that set me apart as a champion for every resident of Washington County.

Extensive Community Leadership

My leadership experience includes serving as President, Vice President, Secretary, Legal Redress Chair, and Political Action Chair of the Washington County NAACP. My commitment to justice extends to roles with the ACLU Western Maryland Advocacy Team and the MD Immigrant Justice Table.

✓ Proven experience in grassroots organizing

✓ Advocates for community-driven solutions

✓ Trusted by local organizations

Collaborative, Active, & Engaged

I actively work to strengthen our local area through participation on various boards and committees.

✓ Friends of Halfway African American Cemetery (current Board Member)

✓ Rising to Learn (current Advisory Board Member)

✓ Representative McClain-Delaney's African American Advisory Board (current member)

✓ Habitat for Humanity of Washington County (previous board member)

Transparent and Accountable Leadership

With a strong belief in open government, I am committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and regular public engagement. My advocacy experience includes providing written and oral testimony for legislative action. I have experience in policy research to inform effective solutions and successful grant writing to secure essential funding for community initiatives.

✓ Open and accessible to constituents

✓ Regularly seeks public input

✓ Using research to ensure responsible decision-making

Community Involvement

Joining and actively participating in local organizations is vital for strengthening the fabric of our community and gives me a direct understanding of the needs and opportunities across Washington County. My involvement in these groups and volunteer roles allows me to collaborate with dedicated individuals and organizations to drive positive, meaningful change.

✓ Ending Needless Violence in Youth (ENVY)- Previous Member

✓ Washington County Chamber of Commerce - Current Member

✓ Hub City Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society - Current Member

✓ Sunrise Rotary Hagerstown - Current Member

✓ REACH of Washington County - Volunteer Coordinator

✓ Eliza's House - Director of Learning & Impact and Grant Management

Allegany County NAACP President Tifani Fisher swears Taj in as Washington County NAACP.

Values and Vision

I am committed to building a county government that listens to every resident and prioritizes collaboration over division. My approach to leadership is grounded in transparency, accountability, and respect for diverse perspectives. I firmly believe that access to information and resources is how communities move from surviving to thriving. It is time for us to become ONE Washington County!

With personal and professional experience advocating for marginalized groups, and as a single mom who has faced homelessness and poverty, I understand the challenges facing our community—from affordable housing and economic opportunity to public safety and education, my candidacy is defined by a drive to create practical solutions that address these pressing local issues.

I believe that real change begins with open dialogue and bold action. I am dedicated to fostering meaningful community engagement, ensuring all voices are heard in the decision-making process. County Commissioners should actively participate on county boards & committees to build relationships with the community and understand our needs. I propose implementing continuous meetings with municipalities to foster an ongoing dialogue and ensure direct access to county leadership, as well as establishing regular meetings with local nonprofits to identify service gaps, optimize resource coordination, and collaboratively build a stronger community where the needs of all residents are effectively met.

Guided by a lifelong commitment to public service, I bring experience, integrity, and a forward-looking vision to the role of County Commissioner. I am ready to work tirelessly for a better future for every family in Washington County.

My Why?

I am running for Washington County Commissioner as an Independent candidate because I believe local government should solely focus on the needs of the people and not on party loyalty. Party politics has regrettably created a culture of division in our county, and our most vulnerable populations are consistently bearing the consequences.

It is time to ensure that our county government is working cooperatively with every municipality. We must prioritize meaningful public input and transparency with every decision we make. My motto is simple: Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes, and I am ready to bring the change we need to restore unity and effective governance to Washington County.

Washington County for Taj Smith

A Proven Advocate for Our Community

Proven Leadership for Washington County

Experience, vision, and dedication to move our community forward together.

Values and Vision

My Why?

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