Smith aims to make mark on council

It was Saturday when The Nugget last visited Josh Smith, co-owner of The Paper Place on South Elm Street. Smith is one of five candidates for Sisters city council. He has never sought nor held public office.

His store was crowded with shoppers.

"This is the busiest day we've had all summer," Smith said, smiling broadly. "More than the Rodeo. More than the Quilt Show." Indeed, the town was packed with visitors taking in the Glory Daze Car Show Click here to see related story. and Artist Studio Tour Click here to see related story..

Four other merchants confirmed Smith's opinion about shoppers for the day. He is well known to Sisters shopkeepers as Vice President of Sisters Business Association. It's his commitment to economic vitality that is a main driver to his candidacy, he says.

Photo by Bill Bartlett

Josh Smith is the proprietor of The Paper Place. He is running for Sisters City Council.

"I am running because I love our city," he said. "There are so many things that make it special. A few of those are our small businesses and our youth. We have some of the greatest entrepreneurs here in Sisters. They keep our local community and our economy going and I want to give them a voice. I also have two amazing children that attend our schools. I want to give them a voice as well by ensuring they have a safe environment to grow up in and have adequate resources and support.

"My goal in the first year is to learn the fundamentals to be successful throughout the remainder of my term. I want to listen to learn from our amazing community on what changes they would like to see."

Having no prior governmental experience doesn't seem to faze Smith. He sees himself as a self-starter and problem-solver. When questioned about some of the larger issues facing Sisters, he said, "One of the biggest challenges facing Sisters is affordable housing. We live in such a spectacular city and have priced out the middle class. The result is not being able to get great educators for our children because they cannot afford to live here."

He knows first-hand the problem of affordable housing, not being able to find suitable housing until the following year, forced to commute from Bend.

"This also causes a burden on the local businesses who have a small pool of workers to employ or must pay excessive wages which in turn make prices of goods increase," he said. "Our community then chooses not to shop local and save money by shopping in Bend or Redmond. The result is lower sales for our businesses, and less tax revenue for the city."

Smith, who is a graduate of West Hills High School in Santee, California, moved to Sisters from Salem in 2022 when he and his wife, Stephanie, took over ownership of The Paper Place, a 40-year cornerstone business in town. Smith's business experience is primarily retail with employment at major retailers like, Ross, Marshalls, and T.J. Maxx.

The Smiths made extensive changes to the look and range of merchandise with a complete overhaul of the store layout.

They are parents to a 12-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son, both in Sisters schools.

"I am uniquely qualified as I do not have prior government experience," Smith noted. "This is a volunteer position, which allows me to be an independent and always think and do what's best for the future of our city.

"I am many things; first and foremost a devoted husband and father. I have been coach Josh to many youths. I serve on the board for Sisters Little League, I am a small business owner, and cofounder of The Sisters Business Association. My final qualification is that I love Sisters. I will always do what's best for our city and listen to our community."