Beth Smith’s Summer Sponsorship Smells Like a Campaign Warm-Up
The Caughlin HOA Concerts on the Green on Sunday, July 6th and look at who one of the sponsors are - School Board Trustee Beth Smith using her campaign logo.
If you happened to stroll through Caughlin Ranch tomorrow and catch a “Concerts on the Green” show, you may have noticed a curious name among the sponsors: Beth Smith, Washoe County School Board Trustee.
Now why, exactly, would a school board trustee be sponsoring a concert in an upscale neighborhood?
The answer isn’t on any public record — at least not yet. Thanks to Nevada’s campaign finance laws, Smith and every other non-City of Reno elected don’t have to file their contribution and expense reports until January 15, 2026. That’s right. We won’t know whether this sponsorship was paid out of campaign funds for months, long after the banners come down.
City of Reno officials? They have to file quarterly reports. But for officeholders like Smith? It’s a long, convenient blackout.
Which leads to an obvious question: What’s Beth Smith running for?
Because make no mistake — she’s running for something. A school board trustee still holding two+ years on her term doesn’t toss her name onto event banners for the love of music in the park. That’s not community engagement — that’s name recognition building.
So what’s the next play? There’s been buzz about a run for City of Reno Mayor — a step up in title and profile. Others say Smith’s eyeing Ward 2, where Councilmember Naomi Duerr is termed out and the seat is wide open. Then again, maybe Smith’s ambitions are even bigger. She could go for broke: state legislature, lieutenant governor, or heck — why not governor?
Because clearly, being a school board trustee just isn’t enough anymore.
And while she’s plotting her next political landing, let’s not forget: Beth Smith was elected to serve a full term representing students, teachers, and families — not to use the position as a springboard for higher office while moonlighting as a concert sponsor.
If Smith is running for something else? Just say so. Be honest with your constituents instead of playing coy behind sponsorships and smiles. Because Washoe County doesn’t need another politician chasing power while pretending to care about public service.
For now, Beth Smith may be dancing to the music. But voters should be listening closely — because every tune has a motive.