Vicki Kampf, a great Democrat and activist, wrote the following letter to the editor which appeared in the Poughkeepsie Journal. I am so proud to have the support of strong Democrats like Bob and Vicki Kampf as we fight for the issues that we care about and against negative campaigning. Both of my opponents have used personal attacks in the press to try to discredit our campaign but we will remain positive and focused on the goal of bringing progressive solutions to the challenges we face as a state and as a district. To learn more about the issues that I stand for visit the issues page

I look forward to speaking with you around the district! Contact me anytime with any thoughts or concerns.

My very best,

Jonathan B. Smith

As submitted to the Opinion Page

Smith’s credentials say he’ll be good lawmaker

 It would appear that Gary Levine had forgotten American history when he criticized fellow-Democrat, Jonathan Smith, in a recent Poughkeepsie Journal article (“2nd Democrat seeks Miller’s Assembly seat,” Jan. 31).

     According to the article, Mr. Levine feels that he is more qualified  for the New York State Assembly.  Mr. Levine bases his fitness on his longevity as a resident of Dutchess County (not on his recent and short-term membership in the Democratic Party), and on the fact that Jonathan Smith has “loyal and generous” friends and family, who have contributed to Mr. Smith’s campaign.

     Mr. Levine also implies that Mr. Smith’s wealth and gourmet tastes may not be as noble as beer and pizza!(Even though Mr. Smith loves pizza as well!)  If he recalled history in America, our founding fathers were plantation owners, and/or lawyers and businessmen, who attended prestigious schools such as Harvard!

    Jonathan Smith has lived in Dutchess County for seven years. He is a  “doer”.  I have worked with Jonathan on the Hyde Park Visual Environment Committee as we tackled projects to help beautify our town. His leadership is making it work!

    If one begins to speak of longevity as a prerequisite for representation, then longevity as a member of a political organization should carry equal, or more, weight. Mr. Levine has been a Democrat for approximately ONE year. Mr. Smith has been involved in the ideals of the Democratic Party all his life. Mr. Smith knows the issues surrounding this upcoming Assembly election, and he will stick to them.
 
Sincerely yours,
 
Victoria Kampf
3/12/08

Smith would bring bright ideas to Albany

I was thrilled to hear Jonathan Smith will seek the Democratic nomination for the 102nd Assembly District seat.

I met Smith almost four years ago when a group of concerned Hyde Park residents formed a grass-roots organization called “Stop the Sprawl.” Ours was a diverse group with all flavors of political and social backgrounds. Smith was one of the founding members, and together we worked to help educate the residents of Hyde Park on the dangers of poor zoning. He demonstrated a knack for organization and strategy that helped to mobilize a groundswell of community action that has propelled Hyde Park towards a new era of smart growth.

There is much to be said about the enthusiasm and hope that Smith would bring to our district. His approach to any issue is to understand its components and then work in a bi-partisan manner to develop a plan. This is what is sorely needed in Albany today to resolve long-standing issues that never seem to find a solution.

I am excited and hopeful that fresh faces like Smith’s will soon be in Albany representing our area.

Anne Dexter
Staatsburg
3/08/08