What do you want for the Town of Lee?

Please double click the photo to be able to read the text...Good Stuff...Good People!

A Supervisor for the Community

It is common these days to see Richard Smith going door to door in the neighborhoods of the Town of Lee. I recently had the opportunity to walk with him and witness the support first hand from members of this great town.

It was on this evening that I was able to truly see what Richard Smith stands for.

We came upon a home where a gentleman and his wife were sitting on the front porch. As we approached, the man stood, and the wife hurried into her house. The man held up his hand and stated abruptly, "I know who you are...and I'm a Democrat." Without hesitation, Rich approached the gentleman and reached out his hand. The man took it and greeted him anyway. "Sir" Rich addressed him, "When I was in the United States Army, and was deployed overseas to fight for our country, I was not only fighting for the Republicans. And when I am elected for Supervisor, I will once again be fighting for every member of our community"

The man hesitated, looked Richard straight in the eye and said "Thank you. Thank you for your service." He then called to his wife, who joined us on the front porch where Rich talked to them. Told them about his plans for the future of our community. Told them that raising taxes was NOT on the agenda for the new Leadership. Rich spoke to them in a way that made them already feel involved in the community.

As I sat and listened to this exchange of questions and answers, I found a new level of respect for Richard. A man that I have known for 40 years. For the first time, I was actually seeing the vision that he has for the community. A genuine concern for it's members, and a devotion to do what is right for everyone in the Town of Lee. He spoke about a new "Team" of leadership. A team that is willing to work together. Richard was out there not just for himself, but for other members of the Republican party that are running in this election. The gentleman stated at this point..."Well, there is strength in numbers".

"There is strength in Community" Richard stated back to the man. "And it's by that strength that we can commit to change and commit to new Leadership.

The wife, who had remained silent until now spoke up and asked Richard, "So, do you think that Mr. Urtz has done a poor job in running this town?" Riches reply was this..."No Mam, Mr. Urtz has served our community well for the past 34 years. He has remained in office because the community has elected him to do so. That must say something about the job he has done. However, I feel that our Town needs renewed strength, and a new Vision. And I feel that with my background and qualifications, I can offer that."

The couple continued to voice their concerns over taxes, town services and other issues important to them. With every reply from Rich, you could see the change in the couple. The questions continued as it started to get dark. The gentleman apologized for taking up so much of our time, and offered a ride home. Rich declined stating he had a few more minutes left...and wasnt ready to give up the night. ( I on the other hand, was freezing and wanted a ride home!!!)

As we started walking down the driveway the man called out to Rich...."Son, you can count on our vote. Thank you for taking the time"

It was a good night.

Corri Lenaghen
Member of Friends to Elect Richard Smith
and Proud Sister in law.

Fundraiser at the Colonial Inn!

First, the campaign committee would like to say thank you to everyone who participated and attended the fundraiser at the Colonial Inn on Friday, September 11th. It was a great time and a wonderful success. A huge thank you to Mike Entilisano for the music that evening. His support is appreciated....and the band was amazing. Great job guys!

As the evening progressed, there was a moment of reflection and remembrance for those lost, and affected by the tragedy of 9/11. We will forever be grateful for the Firemen, Police, EMT's, Military and Civilian volunteers, who risked, and some lost, their lives. Not just on 9/11, but everyday. We thank you!

As we move forward toward election day, we would like to remind you to Vote! If you are not registered to vote, the deadline is quickly approaching. Every vote will matter in this election. We are counting on you.

Friday September 11th

Richard Smith is back in the race

Now is the time to come together for change. Rich still stands for the same things; Integrity, morals, ethics and trustworthiness.

If you are not registered to vote, you must do so my October 9th. If you are registered to vote, remember the day, November 3rd, and make your vote count. Richard would like to extend his gratitude to each and everyone of you for welcoming him back into the race. His ambition and drive is stronger than ever to make this election count for the Town of Lee.

Now is the time...Richard is the Candidate!

Below is the article that ran in this evenings newspaper.

By DAVE GYMBURCH Staff writer

TOWN OF LEE — After an interruption of three-plus weeks, Richard Smith’s candidacy for town supervisor is on again.

Smith, the Republican- and Conservative-endorsed candidate, announced today he is back in the race after learning he is not subject after all to an act prohibiting public office candidacies by people whose employer receives federal funding.

The matter was further reviewed by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel in Washington, D.C., Smith said.

Smith had announced July 31 that he was withdrawing from the race because he fell under the Hatch Act. The act places restrictions on political activities of federal employees, and also may apply to employees of private nonprofit organizations depending on statutes under which the organizations receive federal funds. Smith is a case manager for the local Neighborhood Center organization.

Smith explained in a statement that "I didn’t want to be campaigning if I was in violation of the act," and since the office of special counsel "thought I could be," he "pulled out until I received further guidance....I didn’t want there to be any integrity issues." A "special investigation" by an attorney with the Hatch Act Unit concluded that Smith "is not in violation of the Hatch Act’s political activities restriction," he added.

Smith is resuming his challenge of incumbent Lee Supervisor John Urtz, a Democrat who has held the position for 34 years.

Smith’s name "never got pulled off the ballot" for the November election, and "technically, his name is still on the ballot....Nothing has actually changed," county Republican Election Commissioner Pamela N. Mandryck said today.

Removing Smith’s name from the ballot due to the Hatch Act would have required a "formal letter" from the Special Counsel office in Washington, which was never issued, Mandryck explained. Smith’s July 31 withdrawal announcement indicated that he would no longer be "campaigning...actively participating" as a candidate, she said, which "relinquishes him from having the act filed against him" if the Hatch Act’s impact on him had been confirmed.
Mandryck said leaving Smith’s name on the ballot is covered under state election law.

Smith said he is "extremely excited about re-entering the election." Echoing his earlier campaign statements, he said "I strongly believe the Town of Lee needs a change in leadership. I have heard the residents of this community speak, and they are ready for someone to listen to their needs."
A campaign fund raiser is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Colonial Inn restaurant, Turin Road, said Smith.

The Lee supervisor job is for a four-year term, with a salary of $18,500.

Below is the article that ran in the Rome Sentinel on August 3rd. It is a great disappointment, however, Richard feels that he, or anyone else, does not need to hold a formal position to become actively involved in their community. We encourage everyone to get involved and make a difference. Richard is a man of integrity and strong ethics....we have not heard the last from him.



By DAVE GYMBURCH Staff writer
RICHARD Smith
TOWN OF LEE — Richard Smith, who was the Republican candidate for town supervisor, has withdrawn from the race because he is subject to an act prohibiting public office candidacies by people whose employer receives federal funding.
Smith, a case manager for the local Neighborhood Center, said in a statement Friday that "it has come to my attention that I fall under what is called the Hatch act."
The act, dating to 1939, places restrictions on political activities of federal employees. It also applies to employees of private nonprofit organizations "if the statute through which the organization receives its federal funds...states that the organization shall be considered" for purposes of the act, according to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.
Smith’s withdrawal leaves no declared candidate in the November election to challenge incumbent Lee Supervisor John Urtz, a Democrat who has held the position for 34 years.
Smith, a Wager Drive resident who had declared his candidacy in May, said an initial interpretation was that he was not affected by the Hatch Act, "with the understanding that it applied to federal employees." But he said that after conferring with the Office of Special Counsel and speaking with Michael Billard, majority analyst for the county Board of Legislators, "I learned that the Hatch Act did apply to me." He said he then spoke to David Pangbourne, chair of the town Republican committee, and "took steps to withdraw from the campaign."
Smith noted "a great disappointment that I cannot continue the race," adding that he appreciated the efforts of "everyone who supported me." A Rome native and former commander of the Rome Salvation Army, Smith had not previously held a publicly elected office.
Pangbourne, asked whether the Republicans would seek another candidate for supervisor, said "to my knowledge, it’s too late." He said he believed the paperwork filing deadline had passed for the party. County Democratic Election Commissioner Kathleen M. Perez said she was checking with state officials on whether the date for substituting a candidate had expired. County Republican Election Commissioner Pamela N. Mandryck could not be reached for comment.
A supervisor candidate from a non-established party still conceivably could come forward. The deadline to file independent petitions to run for an office is Aug. 11-18, Perez said.
Pangbourne said of Smith’s withdrawal that "we’re obviously disappointed, of course."
The town supervisor job in Lee is for a four-year term. The salary is $18,500. Urtz, a retiree of Revere Copper Products, took office in January 1976.

Suns of the Empire

Join us for a night of Music, food and prizes. Friday Aug. 7th at 7pm at The Colonial Inn, Turin Road, Rome.

Not that you need a reason to go out on a Friday night and have a good time...BUT, Suns of the Empire will be performing. You've got to hear them! There will be an opportunity for some great prizes, a chinese auction, and tons of fun.

The evening will benefit Richard Smith for Supervisor. He will be there having a great time with his family and friends. Please come and join us.

A $5.00 cover charge at the door will give you access to a great night of music, fun and friends.

See you there!