(6/2023) My name is Robert Albert Smith. Please call me Rob. I am 50 years old and reside in Biglerville with my wife and three growing children. I am currently employed by Abarta Coca-Cola Bottler as an Account Manager and I have served on the Biglerville Borough Council since 2011. I also serve on the Northern Adams Regional Emergency Management Agency as a representative for the Borough of Biglerville.

I have served as Chair of the Water Committee from the first day I was sworn in as a member of the Biglerville Borough Council. In that time I have work 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 for its citizen 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 Council to reach decisions which have been unanimous one-hundred percent of the time when it has come to the area of water.

Since joining council I have also been a member of the Safety Committee. In that time the Committee has always kept the safety of our borough residents at the top of the agenda by listening the what both are code enforcer and police chief have to say. Also, the Committee and the entire Council have made sure our Police are fully funded and have the equipment, training, and support required for them to do there job safely and effectively.

I currently serve on the Ordinance Committee and have been involved with the Chair and one other member in the process of writing new ordinances and modifying existing ones to address new concerns which have arisen due to new developments in the area. This has included issues such as vacant buildings, burning ordinances, and noise concerns.

I am running for Adams County Commissioner because as a husband and a father I care about the people and the future of Adams County. In my current line of work I have met many hard working and caring people in Adams County over the last 16 Years. 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 their car to get to and from work. Many of these residents of Adams County work in jobs that were considered essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In my view, they were all essential before, during, and should still be considered essential today. Also during the pandemic I saw many of these individuals trying to help and care for one another. Regardless of their opinions on wearing a mask or their political views. I believe these people of Adams County I keep mentioning, should be on a Commissioners mind when decisions are made on the County Level, especially in the areas of child services, mental health, and fiscal responsibility.

The Department of Children and Youth Services in Adams County is essential to protect children from any form of abuse or neglect. Adequate funding is necessary to ensure no child goes to bed hungry and families receive the support the County can provide so families or temporary caregivers can give all children the nutritional and emotional support they need.

Mental Health has never been more urgent than it is now. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The average working family in Adams County should never be left out of the equation when it comes to this issue. Whether it be in their work environment, home life, or ever day activities. Many acknowledge that mental health needs more funding. Especially since there has not been a state funding increase in the last ten years. With 67 counties in Pennsylvania current funding is not sufficient. The department of York/Adams Mental Health-Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is managed by the Joint Board of Commissioners which is made up of both the Adams and York County Commissioners. This department should receive all the support required and more.

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, which is currently $86,586,338 for Adams County in 2023, should always be monitored so it is spent efficiently and directed to the right areas of County Government, whether it is departments such as the Children and Youth Services, the Adult Correctional Complex, or the Courts.

If I am given the privilege by the people of Adams County to serve as County Commissioner I will use my experiences in the private sector and local government to serve the people of Adams County with Integrity, Trust, and Commitment. Most Importantly I will listen to the people of Adams County always taking into consideration their concerns and well being. Listening is very important. It is one thing to say you will listen, but who is one listening to? What are your actions and reactions to what you hear? I will always listen to what the individuals in Adams County have to say.

While I am running as a proud Democrat, I am happy to talk to anyone from any party affiliation, whether it be Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or Independent. For over a decade on the Biglerville Borough Council and working in the private sector since age 15, I have worked with wide a diversity of people. As a matter of fact, enough from me, I would be happy to talk the people of Adams County right now. If we disagree, that is fine. If you agree with me on everything, then you should not trust me.

I would be happy to hear from you. I am interested in what you have to say. How do you feel about the job the Board of Commissioners is doing? What would be something you would like to see the Commissioners do or not do? How can the County Commissioners possibly help you. My name is Rob. Give me a call. My number is 717-339-6364