I have learned a lot being the Deputy Speaker for the past six years. In that time, I have covered all functions of the Speaker of the House. The job is bigger than running than a Session day. Some examples are:
- Facilities and projects
- Seat assignments
- Negotiating with the Senate for office space
- Personnel
- Signing bills
- Reviewing and approving committee reports
- Assigning bills to committee
- Meeting with the Governor and Senate
- Coordinating Committees of Conference
There is a lot more, but the takeaway should be that done well, this is a full time job and I’m ready for it. I’m tested and proven. While things have gone pretty well, there are still things that I would like to see happening to help our success, and help develop our future leaders. I will be adding more content on this site to go into detail as the year moves along.
On another note, people often get into details of positions when it comes it choosing a Speaker. I will give you all of mine, right here, right now.
I view the Speaker’s job as doing my best to enact the positions of the caucus. My positions are irrelevant, I work for you as your advocate. The caucus will decide their priorities, then I have to work to make it happen. It really is that simple. As your Speaker, I will not be telling you what your legislative priorities are. You will be telling me.
Steve
Steven Smith for Speaker 
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