About Jonathan

Jonathan Smith is a lifelong Democrat and has been active in politics for the better part of his life. As a community organizer, Smith has always fought hard for the values in which he believes; a more fair tax system, "smart growth," energy independence, environmental protection, and sound education and insurance for every child in New York.

In the private sector, Smith was influential in the development and production of children's educational media as a Director of Festival Attractions, Inc., managing its international intellectual property portfolio. In 2001, Jonathan and Catherine decided to make the Hudson Valley their permanent home, after being regular visitors to the region from New York City, where Jonathan was born. Members of Jonathan's family have lived in the Hudson Valley since the early 1960's and he has always felt a strong connection to his roots here.

Since leaving Festival in 2004, Smith has been a consultant for several local and national political campaigns, including Doris Kelly's bid for New York's 20th Congressional district, and John Hall’s successful campaign for United States Congress.  As the Field Coordinator for Kelly, Smith built a grassroots campaign that helped the candidate to victory over several  primary challengers, and a strong showing in the general election. Smith also worked on two Democratic presidential campaigns in 2004, helping to organize local support for Howard Dean and, later for John Kerry.

Working as a staff member for U.S. Congressional candidate John Hall in 2006, as Interim Field Director and Volunteer Coordinator, Jonathan organized thousands of volunteers into a highly effective grassroots campaign organization. In developing and implementing a strong "people" oriented field program, Smith demonstrated his ability to motivate and lead,  while promoting the causes that are important to the residents of the Hudson Valley –  affordable health care, working to solve the energy crisis, and changing the direction in the war in Iraq.

Smith has been an active member of the community. As a member of the Hyde Park Board of Assessment Review, he became  intensely aware of the increasingly antiquated and unfair property tax system, recognizing that the current system based on land assessment will continue to stunt the redevelopment and growth of the Hudson Valley. Smith also sits on the Economic Development Committee of Hyde Park.

As a young environmental and political activist inspired by the work of The Environmental Defense Fund and The World Wildlife Federation, Smith's politics have always gravitated towards grassroots organizing and a strong commitment to community stewardship. He is a Founding Member and Treasurer of the "smart growth" advocacy group, Stop the Sprawl. This group of citizens effectively fought for strong zoning regulations in the Town of Hyde Park. In addition, he currently serves as the Chairman of the Hyde Park Visual Environment Committee, a group dedicated to the preservation and smart development of this important historic town. Through his involvement with these organizations, Smith has worked to protect vital area resources, such as open space and wetlands, while promoting cooperation between local government and developers to create sound and sustainable economic growth.

 In 2007, he worked actively in the election campaigns of many of the local candidates in Hyde Park and around Dutchess County.

Smith was graduated with honors from Vassar College with a joint degree in Political Science and English Literature. A native New Yorker, Smith lives with his wife, Catherine, and their newborn daughter, Ainsley, in the village of Staatsburg.