Hulett C. Smith

Hulett Carlson Smith (born October 21, 1918 in Beckley , West Virginia , † January 15, 2012 in Scottsdale , Arizona ) was an American politician . He was the 27th governor of West Virginia from 1965 to 1969 .

Early years and political advancement

Hulett C. Smith was the son of Joe L. Smith (1880–1962), who was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1929 to 1945 . After the usual elementary schools, Smith attended the University of Pennsylvania until 1938 . He then worked in insurance and for a radio station owned by his family. Smith served in the U.S. Navy during World War II . After the war he was president of two insurance companies.

In 1947, Smith was appointed to the State Aeronautics Agency of West Virginia by Governor Clarence W. Meadows . He stayed there for twelve years. During this time he also made a career in the Democratic Party . Between 1956 and 1961 he was chairman of the Democrats in West Virginia. In 1960 he ran unsuccessfully for the party's nomination for governor. He was defeated by the equally influential William Wallace Barron . Instead, he was his state's trade minister from 1961 to 1963. In 1964 he was nominated by his party for the office of governor and subsequently elected to that office by the electorate.

West Virginia Governor

Smith's four-year tenure began on January 18, 1965. He was an advocate for environmental protection and civil rights. During his tenure, West Virginia abolished the death penalty. Smith called for a community-oriented policy in his administration. At that time, the preparation of the state budget was added to the duties of the governor. Smith was a member of several governors' associations.

After his tenure ended, Smith returned to insurance. He also managed the finances of two local hospitals. In his retirement he became an environmental advocate. Smith also served on a commission to review the West Virginia Constitution.

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personal data
SURNAME	Smith, Hulett C.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Smith, Hulett Carlson
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	October 21, 1918
PLACE OF BIRTH	Beckley , West Virginia
DATE OF DEATH	January 15, 2012
Place of death	Scottsdale , Arizona