I am Judy Smyk, wife of Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, candidate for Senate in the 6th Senatorial District.
First, my family and I would like to thank Mr. Russ Huxtable’s and Steve’s supporters who have written respectful letters to the editor in another publication.
Steve and I have been married for 33 years, raising three children, two of which are successful young women.
Recently, while reading the Cape Gazette, I have been dismayed at the letters indicating that Steve is not concerned about women’s rights. Of course he is concerned about women’s health; he is not anti-abortion. A legal bill is an important document, and Steve dissects related bills diligently to best support women’s rights. His vote on bills being referred to is not a vote against women’s rights; it is a vote against the language proposed.
I feel these claims are simply generated to stir up anger and drama in a state where women’s reproductive rights and gay marriage are already preserved.
Steve is not anti-LGBTQ+. We have many friends and family members who identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and we support human rights for all. These very people in our personal lives were some of the first to applaud Steve when he became a representative. They were intelligent enough to know that his vote represented his district, reflecting the votes of his constituents in 2013 — at a time that his district did not cover all of Lewes, Rehoboth or Dewey. Steve reflects his district and is receptive to changes that echo the needs of his constituents.
Steve is your neighbor and, to many, your friend. He is not a reflection of national political discord and divide.
Our family believes in equality, acceptance, support and services — for everyone.
The same care and concern Steve holds for our family is carried over to all constituents of the 6th District. He has genuine concern for everyone in our district and strives to assist with their needs and concerns — regardless of party affiliation, race, gender or religion.
Look at the beautiful Cape Henlopen schools that our children are fortunate to go to. Steve had a role in doing what he could to make this dream possible, not only for the students but the staff and teachers.
During COVID-19 shutdown, Steve worked day and night to assist businesses that were losing their livelihoods. He worked tirelessly to help them through this difficult time. Why do you think so many businesses have asked for his campaign signs?
I could go on and on, but lastly, a good friend of mine said he hated prejudice because you lose out on knowing a good person. Please stop the hate and find out what a good person Steve is and all he has done to assist the community and individuals as a trooper and a representative.
If you have any questions and want to conduct reliable research from the source himself, join him weekly on the radio, attend his monthly coffee meetings open to the public, give him a call. I guarantee he will be glad to hear your concerns.
Judy Smyk
Milton
