Dear Editor:
Having lived and served in Hudson County for the better part of my life has given me occasion to meet with and befriend many good people. I’ve taught in our public schools for 30+ years, and I’ve served three terms as a Councilman. These two public service jobs have brought me into contact with many generations of our citizens. I am now encountering past students who are now the parents of our present students. Many serve as policemen, firemen and as public works employees. Many own their own businesses. Some serve in our local government. As much respect as I’ve gained for our hard-working citizens, I feel that in most cases the feeling is mutual. So many have become good friends and neighbors. Many of my decisions in government were based on what these many generations have communicated to me. While riding the emotional roller coaster of politics, these people have often come forth and given me comfort in times of stress.
Malevolent assaults from my opponents in government can never discourage me from my service to the good people of our community. Elections come and go, but great citizens will always be there. I will never be able to personally thank everyone from Washington Park to the Bayonne Bridge, but I can assure you of one thing. While I serve in government, I will never let anyone take advantage of you, the taxpayers, while I serve in office. I will continue to fight for your rights regardless of the odds. I will not let any government figure harm the citizens even if it costs me my position in government. I will continue to be your shield; I will “Take the Bullets” and “The Mudslinging” and will remain standing in your defense for as long as The Good Lord permits. As long as there are simple-minded, vicious, immoral, unethical and greedy individuals, the assaults on myself and my family will obviously continue. To the frustration of those despicable wretches, we continue to get up and “dust ourselves off.” As long as I serve in government, I will continue to crusade against any individual or group that attempts to corrupt the Constitution or attempts to turn our government into an intimidating, dictatorial regime.
I am humbled by the many families and students who expressed their remorse for the results of the June 3rd Primary Election; many of whom expressed regret because they lived in a part of Jersey City not included in the 31st District and couldn’t vote. The loss itself pales in comparison to my disappointment in not being able to serve you all on the State level. Secondly my opponent garnered 10 votes to every eight votes that I received in the 31st District. This certainly is not a 31st District mandate. But we must abide by the law which states that an individual must only gain one more vote than his opponent to win the Primary.
To the Citizens who believe in me enough to cast your precious vote in my favor, and to all those who campaign with fervor in my support, my family and I extend our love and thanks. My gift to you all is my favorite quotation by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Live by these profound words, and you will always be victorious in life:
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To leave the world a little better; Whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeeming social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success.
God Bless You All,
L. Harvey Smith