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 from 1965 to 1969 the 27th Governor of West Virginia.

Early years and political rise

In 1947, Smith was appointed by Governor Clarence W. Meadows at the Civil Aviation Authority (State Aeronautics Agency ) of West Virginia. There he remained for twelve years. During this time he also made in the Democratic Party career. Between 1956 and 1961 he was chairman of the Democrats in West Virginia. In 1960 he applied unsuccessfully for the nomination of the party for the office of governor. He also succumbed to the influential William Wallace Barron. Instead, he was from 1961 to 1963 Minister of Trade of his state. In 1964 he was nominated by his party for the office of governor and then elected by the voters in this office.

Governor of West Virginia

Smith's four-year term began on January 18, 1965. He fought for environmental protection and civil rights. During his tenure, the death penalty was abolished in West Virginia. Smith called for a community-based policies of his administration. At that time, the creation of the state budget has been added to the duties of the governor. Smith was a member of several associations governor.

After the end of his term, Smith was again active in the insurance sector. He also managed the finances of two local hospitals. In his retirement, he was an advocate of environmental protection. Smith was also a member of a commission to revise the Constitution of West Virginia.