(3/20) A Biglerville Borough Council member hopes to advance his community service by becoming an Adams County Commissioner.
Rob Smith is seeking a Democratic nomination for one of three seats available on the board.
"I am running to bring a fresh eye to the job," Smith said.
Smith said he has taken his job as Biglerville Borough Councilman seriously since he took office in 2012.
"You have to deal with people where they are at," Smith said. "You have to be able to compromise and see other points of view."
The Democrat enjoys working with four Republicans, another Democrat, and an Independent. Smith said he believes politics is everywhere, but issues council members tackle such as fixing roads and managing sewer systems are best handled through compromise.
"We work together on everything. It has been a great education on things we take for granted daily," he said.
He also prides himself in listening to the citizens he serves.
"If you take the time to talk to someone, even for five minutes, you realize they are interested in what is going on," he said. "Some people don’t think they matter but they really do."
Smith’s job as an account manager for Coca-Cola takes him to many parts of Adams County. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith said he witnessed neighbors having a high level of compassion for their fellow citizens while the national rhetoric became heated.
He also realized citizen engagement is low.
"I would like to get those people involved," he said.
Smith said the commissioners’ biggest responsibility is allocating county funds to numerous departments. He said he has a passion for social services and would like to examine how departments such as Children and Youth and mental health services can best help citizens.
"No kid should be hungry and should suffer from neglect," he said. "It is not that the county is doing a bad job. We could always do better."
Smith admits he doesn’t have a magic wand that can fix problems but believes his talent for talking to people will bring a collaborative approach to county government.
"I want to knock on doors and listen to what they have to say. If I disagree with them, that’s OK," he said.
Smith plans to host town hall meetings throughout Adams County to introduce himself to voters. He knows that in a county where Republicans outnumber Democrats two to one, it is unlikely he and his fellow Democrat, Qually, will both be successful in November.
"The numbers are the numbers. I am going to vote for Marty and myself," he said. Voters have the ability to choose two candidates for commissioner. The three candidates who receive the most votes earn a seat on the board.
The 2023 Primary Election is Tuesday, May 16. Eligible residents not registered to vote have until May 1 to register. Registered voters who desire a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must request one by May 9. The courthouse must receive mail-in and civilian absentee ballots by 8 p.m., May 16.
