Smith for Assembly

Background:

Jonathan Smith is a lifelong Democrat and has been active in politics for the better part of his life. A career community organizer, Jonathan worked as Volunteer Coordinator for John Hall's successful Congressional campaign in 2006. Jonathan 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. Jonathan 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, Jonathan'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, Jonathan 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, Jonathan 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. Jonathan 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.

Goals:

Jonathan is running to bring progressive values and fiscal responsibility back to Albany. Although the Democrats have a majority in the State Assembly, it is important to elect progressive Democrats. As the endorsed Democratic Party candidate, Jonathan is running on a platform of attaining single-payer healthcare, creating green jobs and supporting the middle class.

Issues:

As a community organizer, Jonathan 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. As the next Assemblyman for the 102nd District, Jonathan will fight for these issues in the state legislature.

Grassroots Support:

Jonathan has worked 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, Jonathan built a grassroots campaign that helped the candidate to victory over several primary challengers, and a strong showing in the general election. Jonathan served as Volunteer Coordinator for John Hall's successful congressional campaign in 2006, where he coordinated a strong door to door grassroots program. Jonathan worked on two Democratic presidential campaigns in 2004, helping to organize local support for Howard Dean and, later for John Kerry.

Jonathan has based his campaign on grassroots organizing. With over 70 active volunteers, Jonathan has one of the largest grassroots operations in the state. In addition, the campaign has raised over $150,000, mostly from low donor fundraising. As a community organizer, Jonathan understands the importance of grassroots organizing.

DFA Values:

Jonathan organized for Governor Dean in 2004 because of the governor's message of being socially progressive and fiscally responsible. Jonathan wants to bring back fiscal responsibility to Albany. Jonathan 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. He understands the importance of being fiscally responsible will bring that sense of responsibility to Albany.