Borough Swears in New Council Member 

Smith will represent West Chester’s 7^th Ward

 

Daily Local News – July 1, 2006

By Brian Fanelli, Staff Writer

WEST CHESTER – A new borough council member was sworn into office Wednesday night during a public meeting.

Councilman Scott Smith, who graduated from Rutgers and has worked as an environmental engineer, will be representing the borough’s 7^th Ward. He was elected to council in May during a special election in which he ran unopposed. He is replacing Maria Chesterton, who resigned in December.

"It was great, especially having my family here," Smith said after the meeting. His parents, wife and grandmother attended the ceremony.

He was especially pleased that his 94-year-old grandmother was present. "She’s gone through all types of obstacles. It was real special to have her here," he said after the meeting.

Smith is no stranger to the community. He currently serves as the chairman for the borough’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Committee.

As a council member, Smith is dedicated to bringing people downtown to support businesses. "I’m really concerned that the downtown area remains healthy," he said on Tuesday.

He is also concerned about preserving West Chester’s historical aspects.

One of the reasons Smith decided to run for council is because of the work he has done for Friends of Veterans Memorial Park, an organization he is still involved with.

"It’s been great to see people working together," he said on Tuesday.

He also fell in love with the area when he moved to the borough in 1998. "I just really liked the way West Chester felt. It had a small-town feel," he said on Tuesday.

Mayor Yoder administered the oath of office and offered some kind words to the new council member.

"It’s always a pleasure as a mayor to perform oaths," he said during the meeting. "It’s something that Scott has earned."

The council members also offered their support to Smith.

"It was a shame to see Maria leave, but I’m glad Scott’s here," said Councilman Charles Christy before the meeting.

"He has no problem countering us on things we say, and I think that’s a great thing," said Council’s Vice President Stephen Bond during the meeting.

To contact staff writer Brian Fanelli, send an e-mail to bfanelli@dailylocal.com.