Christina Drewry 2026 Kickoff

Hey y'all,

Commissioner Christina Drewry here. As we wrap up 2025 and step boldly into 2026, I want to share a clear picture of what's ahead — in my view, anyway.

Y'all, my first year in office has been eye-opening. I've run into some real roadblocks, unnecessary hurdles that don't serve you — the hard-working taxpayers of Smith COUNTY.

Let me give you just one example that still fires me up:

I got a call from a constituent who's loved one was in Smith COUNTY jail. Now, just because someone's been arrested, doesn't mean their constitutional rights vanish. This family was worried *sick*. The inmate hasn't even seen their court-appointed, indigent defense attorney. And court was coming up.

Those attorneys are paid for with *your* tax-dollars.

And they're contractually required to meet with their clients.

So what did I do? I did what any watchful commissioner should do: I requested the jail's attorney visitation logs to verify that those visits were happening.

what did I get?

It took over 100 days. And even then, I only received partial records. I'm still chasing the rest today. Why? Because you deserve accountability. We pay those attorneys with your hard-earned tax dollars.

And I won't stop until we have full tansparency.

This is just one of many obstacles I've faced. But hear me loud and clear: I will never give up. You elected me to be your eyes, your ears, and your voice at the COUNTY level. No matter the push-back, no matter who doesn't like my questions, I'm gonna keep digging; that's my promise. Because you hired me to guard your tax dollars against waste, fraud, and abuse.

Your money should always deliver the very best services at the absolute best price. And, y'all, wise spending isn't just a Smith COUNTY issue — it's everywhere!

Look at what happened in Minnesota!

Billions in taxpayer dollars wasted on fraudulent daycares. Why? Because nobody was asking the tough questions or holding people accountable. That's what happens when elected officials just blindly trust the system. Not on my watch.

After a full year, I've gotten to know the players, and how the game is played. I know exactly who bristles at my questions, and who doesn't want me shining a light in the corner.

But you know what? You, the taxpayers, are far more important to me than any of that. I don't serve elite politicians or unelected bureaucrats. I serve *YOU*. You're my bosses. I'm here to ask the hard questions on *YOUR* behalf; to fight for the answers *YOU* deserve; and to make sure every one one of *YOUR TAX DOLLARS* is spent wisely and transparently. That's *YOUR* business.

And in 2026, I'm doubling-down. I'll fight even harder for you. Because together, we'll demand the accountability Smith COUNTY needs.

Thank you for trusting me.

Let's make 2026 the year of *REAL* results for the people.