(11/2023) The election on November 7th is just around the corner. As we get down to the wire, I would like to re-introduce myself to the people of Adams County and tell them why I am running for Adams County Commissioner.

My name is Rob Smith. I entered the race for Adams County Commissioner in February of this year because, as a husband and a father, I care about the people and the future of Adams County. In my current line of work for the last 16 years as an Account Manager for Abarta Coca-Cola Beverages, and over the previous eight months of campaigning, I have met many hard-working and caring people in Adams County. I have seen the compassion the People in Adams County are capable of. That is why the message of our campaign for the future has been one of hope and compassion. At the same time, the three main issues of our campaign have been Fiscal Responsibility, Child Services, and Mental Health Services.

I have served on the Biglerville Borough Council since 2012 and as the Water Committee Chairman from day one. In addition, I have served on both the Safety and Ordinance Committees. I also serve on the Northern Adams Regional Emergency Management Agency as a representative for the Borough of Biglerville.

As Chairman of the Water Committee, I have worked closely with both the Water/Wastewater Manager and the Sewer Operator of the borough to maintain the safety and quality of the public water Biglerville Borough provides its citizens and the residents of the neighboring Butler Township, while at the same time adhering to federal and state regulations. There have been times when tough decisions had to be made and priorities put in a row. In every situation, I have engaged with the borough employees and the six other members of the Council to reach decisions that have been unanimous one hundred percent of the time when it has come to the area of water.

In my time on the Safety Committee, the Committee, as a bi-partisan team, has always kept the safety of the borough residents at the top of the agenda by listening to the concerns of the Police Chief, the Code Enforcer, and Residents. Also, the Committee and the entire Council have made sure the Police are fully funded and have the equipment, training, and support required for them to do their job safely and effectively.

While serving on the Ordinance Committee, I have been involved with the Chair and another member in writing new ordinances and modifying existing ones to address new concerns due to recent developments in the area. This has included issues such as vacant buildings, burning ordinances, and noise concerns.

As I mentioned, I have met many hard-working and caring people of Adams County in my employment in the private sector and during this campaign—people who are just trying to make ends meet and keep food on the table. Single Parents working for a low wage just trying to have enough money to put gas in the car to get to and from work. People are trying to get affordable child care for their children, so they go to work. In my view, these people should be on a County Commissioners mind when decisions are made on the County Level, especially in Fiscal Responsibility, Child Services, and Mental Health Services.

Mental Health Services have never been more critical than now. The people of Adams County should never be left out of the equation regarding this issue, whether it involves their work environment, home life, or everyday activities. Many acknowledge that the current funding for Mental Health Services is not sufficient. The Department of York/Adams Mental Health-Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is managed by the Joint Board of Commissioners, which comprises both the Adams and York County Commissioners. This Department should receive all the support required and more.

The Department of Children and Youth Services in Adams County is essential to protect children from abuse or neglect. Adequate funding is necessary to ensure no child goes to bed hungry and families or temporary caregivers receive the support the County can provide. So, all children get the emotional support, nutrition, and education they need and deserve.

Fiscal Responsibility should always be maintained and a priority. While spending should always be controlled to keep taxes low, the money set aside for expenses every year should continuously be monitored so it is spent efficiently and directed transparently to the proper Departments of the County, whether it is Children and Youth Services, the Adult Correctional Complex, or the Courts.

If the People of Adams County give me the privilege to serve as County Commissioner. In that case, I will use my experiences in the private sector and local government to serve the People of Adams County with Integrity, Trust, and Commitment. I will listen to the People of Adams County. I am taking into consideration their concerns and well-being. I can bring a fresh perspective to the Adams County Board of Commissioners. The Commission has been the same for the last 12 years. A new face can bring a new awakening to what can be reached for and accomplished in the future. I see the hope and compassion in the People of Adams County, and there is a fantastic amount of potential for that Hope and Compassion to grow.

As I said before, this is a positive campaign. I am not running against any individual or in crisis. I am running because I care about the future and the people of Adams County. I want to send out a message of hope and compassion again. Hope for the future and Compassion for our fellow human beings. Every Person in Adams County matters.

You, the People of Adams County, have a voice, and your voice matters. When you vote, you're voice is heard. You're vote always matters. That is why we have elections. Nobody should be held back and told their vote does not count. The right to vote should be protected for everyone.

Please remember to get out and vote on Election Day, November 7th. Polls are open from 7 am-8 pm. There are four candidates for Adams County Commissioner. You can vote for two.

If you have any questions for me or would like to talk, please give me a call. I am happy to talk to anyone and would love to hear from you. My number is 717-339-6364.