About The Candidate

Gerald Smith is a high school math teacher, who came to Indiana via public schools in St. Louis, Missouri, Portland, Oregon, Renton, and Washington State. Gerald also spent three years working with communities in East, and Southern Africa on increasing access to quality education. Gerald has also worked as a community organizer, coordinating a national health care coalition focused on eliminating racial disparities in health outcomes, leading a successful federal campaign to reauthorize an important health program for low-income children, and publishing living wage reports which helped to improve conditions for low-wage workers. 

Since coming to Pennsylvania, Gerald has been an active volunteer in his community, and has led film festivals and community news radio/web programs, raised funds to expand farmers market access to low income residents, and led a campaign that resulted in the formation of the Indiana County Sustainable Economy Task Force. 

As a Borough Councilor, Gerald has been led the Public Works Committee through upgrades of our Waste Water Treatment Plant, and provided focus on stormwater management to alleviate flooding. Under Gerald's leadership as Vice President, the Boro has taken concrete action to be a Sustainable,  Welcoming Community, with a focus on civil rights. Gerald has led Ad-Hoc community groups on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, borough communication and social media, and the hiring team.

Gerald most enjoys spending time with his family, Dr. Amanda Poole, and children, Griffin, 12, and Zuzu, 10, bicycling, spending time outdoors, travel, and thinking of creative solutions to old problems. 

He received his Bachelors degree from Northwestern University in Mathematics and Philosophy.

 

Vote for Gerald Smith 
Indiana Borough Councilor 

My name is Gerald Smith. I've been an Indiana Borough Councilor representing the 2nd ward for two terms. Thank you again for supporting me and my leadership in Indiana, PA. I'm writing today to ask for your support on May 18 to put me on the November ballot for a new term.

I am proud of my service on Borough Council and my role in helping to form the vision of this community. I first became interested in this service eight years ago, when it seemed that this town was ready for a change. The arts and cultural festivals that have established themselves in the last eight years, like the It's a Wonderful Life Festival and the Northern Appalachian Folk Festival are the result of an enormous amount of community effort, and new leadership ready to say yes.

I have maintained a number of priorities for Indiana, and look forward to continuing to expand on these in a new term. These include

• Providing opportunities for our business district to thrive;

• Leading collaborations with local stakeholders such as IUP, the Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Indiana;

• Communicating to residents and beyond about important issues facing our community, and opportunities for community building.

• Demonstrating sustainable, state of the art practices in our storm water and sewer system infrastructure. 

 

In addition, I look forward to maintaining and improving policies to ensure that we are a Welcoming Community. In response to national attention brought to racial inequity and disparities, particularly in policing, the Borough Police force has looked inwards, and begun an ongoing program of diversity training. I have been at the forefront of these changes, and also led the effort to establish a local advisory chapter to the Pennsylvania Human Right Commission, which is in place to guarantee civil rights.

Of course, Indiana faces challenges. The impact of COVID on the health and the economy of our region is significant. Financial relief has softened the blow for some small businesses, but some of our biggest employers are significantly reducing jobs. It is heartbreaking to me to see neighbors who invested in community leaving town. 

However, I am confident this community has the strength and perseverance to weather these challenges. I ask for your trust to help lead us through these challenging times. Please vote for me, 

Gerald Smith for Indiana Borough Council on May 18.

Moving Indiana Forward - Vote for Gerald Smith on 11/7

Greetings friends and neighbors,

I am writing today to again ask for your support in the General Election on November 7, 2017 to serve another term as your Borough Councilor.
 

I have been honored to be the 2nd Ward Indiana Borough Councilor for the last four years. Thank you for supporting me, and trusting in my leadership to make sure Indiana, PA continues to be a great place to live. 

I wrote about Indiana back in May, and I called it a Rennessaince, and it's only gotten better.

I look forward to bringing responsible, progressive community values to the leadership of our municipality. 

Please vote for Gerald Smith, for Member of Council, Four Year Term. Also, consider Donald Lancaster, my neighbor and current chair of the Public Safety Committee.

Vote for Gerald Smith on May 16

Greetings,
My name is Gerald Smith. I've been the 2nd Ward Indiana Borough Councilor for the last four years. Thank you for supporting me, and trusting in my leadership to make sure Indiana, PA continues to be a great place to live. 

I'm writing today to again ask for your support in the Primary Election on May 16, 2017 to serve another term as your Borough Councilor. In the coming years, I'm looking forward to leading Indiana. It's an exciting time to live in town. 

The Renaissance in Indiana Borough is real. Over the last few years, art and music festivals have popped up, attracting national acts. Our hometown heritage has been highlighted across the country attracting thousands to our town. We have made substantial investments in our infrastructure, leveraging the power of our tax base to expand investment in our basic systems, such as waste water, storm water, recycling, and our roads. Our community has become involved in historic ways, with neighbors stepping up to lead strong projects. And, we've made public and proud commitments to being a welcoming community, both through policy and proclamation.

I am proud of my role through this exciting time in Indiana. My family and I love it here, and are proud to be raising our children in town. I'm proud to reflect on my priorities four years ago, which included investing in quality staff, highlighting our town as a regional attraction, and broadening communication with residents. My priorities for the coming year are:


 - Expanding Community and Borough Assets, build to a national attraction
Our position as the county seat, and home of Indiana University of Pennsylvania provides enormous opportunity to continue to thrive while surrounding areas face economic challenges. I hope to become a uniquely positive destination that brings visitors, and dollars to town.

 - Communicate as a leader
The Borough should actively pursuing opportunities to pull together large stakeholders in our community for collaborative projects.  

 - Become a model of efficient infrastructure management
Storm-water management guidelines for municipalities are improving, and Indiana stands to be a leader in efficient, and environmentally responsible development. We are also making sound investments in our wastewater, and recycling programs that will make Indiana a regional model for sustainability.

- Attract and retain new long-term residents
Indiana is a wonderful place to move, and stay. Young people, and young families are looking for our small town atmosphere with the entertainment options of a bigger city. We should continue to attract new residents both through programs like Inhabit Indiana, but also by working with our local economic development agencies to attract 21st century businesses.  




https://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/indiana-borough-iupattys-draws-ire-of-council,26147054/

https://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/indiana-council-urged-to-give-support-to-immigrants,25846679/

https://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/community-group-launches-film-series,25829499/

https://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/indiana-borough-input-sought-on-use-of-grant-funds,24703793/

https://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/indiana-borough-council-oks-corridor-route,23974957/ 

2nd, 3rd Wards, and School district races matter! Vote November 5!

Thanks to the Gazette for the great coverage of the Indiana Borough Council election coming up this Tuesday, November 5. Despite my best efforts, Borough beat reporter Randy Wells put together a fine biography of my candidacy. Read about all five of the candidates for the second ward, including me and Don Lancaster running for the 4 year term, and Larry Dechurch and Brett Johns running for the 2 year term.

Don and I face off on who likes the 

borough more on WIUPfm 90.1

The Third Ward race is also heating up, with the rising candidacy of long-time Indiana residents Tara Federoff, and Jennifer Gonda-English (she's got a video!!). As write-in candidates, they're going to need lots of support, which they're hoping they'll get from residents and students in the 3rd ward.

The Indiana School District race is, as always, heated. This year it's been fueled by the current board's response to Pennsylvania's war on public education. The race is important, so check out the candidates, they just did a debate. It is important to note that contrary to recent ads in the Gazette, the current board did not pass a tax increase. They passed a referendum to ask voters what they think.

#awkward

So if you're in the 2nd or 3rd ward, or anywhere in the district, the good news is that people are excited enough about Indiana to be campaigning for a unpaid positions! Read or listen to the candidates,check their information online. There are many similarities in how we all care for our community, however, there are some stark differences, illustrated by these two recent letters to the editor, one from me, the other from my neighbor and principle opponent in this race, Bob Jobe.

And remember, go out and vote this Tuesday! These local elections effect your community!

Thanks for your support!

CANDIDATE: Gerald Smith

October 29, 2013 10:00 AM

Gerald Smith won Democratic and Republican nominations for Indiana council in the spring primary, but got the chance to start getting experience as a councilman without waiting for the general election.
Smith was elected by council in July to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Tom Shively. Shively’s departure was one of two vacancies for Second Ward council representatives within a few weeks earlier this year.

Smith enters next week’s general election as an incumbent with about four months’ experience as a sitting councilman.

A math teacher in the Indiana Area School District, Smith grew up in St. Louis and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and philosophy from Northwestern University. He taught in public schools in St. Louis; Portland, Ore.; Renton, Wash.; and Pittsburgh. He also taught in Africa while a Peace Corps volunteer. Smith left teaching from 2004 to 2008 to become a community organizer with the Northwest Federation of Community Organizations. With NWFCO, he coordinated a national health care coalition focused on eliminating racial disparities in health outcomes and worked as a regional campaign manager for the national health care campaign that resulted in the Affordable Care Act.

Since coming to Pennsylvania, Smith has been an active volunteer with local environmental organizations and Indiana County Democratic campaigns. He founded the Coalition for a Healthy County and the Indiana Neighborhoods Community Association and has worked with the Center for Community Growth, the Friends of Yellow Creek and the Three Rivers Community Foundation.

Smith said one of the main reasons he is interested in serving on council is because be believes in community, and the Indiana community is shrinking.

He noted Indiana’s population dropped 13 percent from 2000 to 2010, and last month he asked Indiana residents to share with council the reasons people stay, not leave, Indiana. He suggested policies could be adjusted based on that feedback from residents.

Smith said his experiences in community activism and in bringing people together to address issues and solve problems are assets he brings to the Indiana council table.

Smith said he wants to help expand Indiana’s reputation as a regional destination.
“We need to be proactive in developing and promoting Indiana’s reputation as a local and regional destination by building on our assets,” such as the Jimmy Stewart legacy and the Wonderful Life events.
He also supports doing more to promote the borough’s farmers market, finding ways to have local agriculture play more of a role in the borough and creating a “buy local” campaign to encourage residents to spend their dollars in the borough.

Smith considers the Indiana Free Library one of the borough’s “prime assets” and supports keeping it at its present location.

He believes borough government could be more efficient by reducing the number of council seats and by having a full-time borough manager as it has in the past.

Disclaimer: Copyright © 2013 Indiana Gazette. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-area/candidate-gerald-smith,18519161/

Candidates Take to the Airwaves, and don't forget to vote, next Tuesday, 11/5!

Election Day is Next Tuesday!
Please make sure to get out and vote for new energy and a positive direction for Indiana Borough. I'm proud to be supporting two other folks in Ward 2, Don Lancaster and Larry DeChurch. I'm also excited to see two community members who have joined in a write-in campaign in the 3rd Ward, representing a united student-resident voice. Read about them here.

Yesterday, all of us, plus Julie Adcock from the 4th Ward were featured on a brand new radio program; The Center Radio airs on Saturdays, at 11am on WIUP fm. It features analysis and discussion of issues relating to Indiana, tied to the film series also from The Center for Community Growth starting again this January.

Yesterday's debut broadcast was a round table call-in Q&A on Indiana Borough Council candidates. You can listen to the whole thing here.

There's more local discussion on local office with the a School Board debate this Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30pm at East Pike Elementary School. Check it here.

Election day is right around the corner, make sure to talk to your neighbor, your vote matters!

Vote Tuesday, November 5!

Now is the time for a community conversation - September 17, 7pm

Save the date - September 17, 7pm.

Indiana Borough Council - Work Session

80 N. 8th Street

One of the primary reasons for my interest in becoming a borough council member is because I believe in community, and ours is shrinking. While recent School District enrollment numbers are increasing, the Borough itself has shrunk by 13% from 2000 to 2010 - mostly families and seniors. Why is no one talking about this?  

Families and seniors are the glue that hold communities together.  They go to work, pay taxes, attend church and community functions, serve on boards and committees, and invest in schools.  They are who our kids play with, we invite over for cookouts, collect our mail when we are away, and who are always around to talk politics downtown or in our driveway.  They are a vital and often unseen part of the fabric that sustains a community and keeps it vibrant.  Without them a community will decline.

In a healthy community I would think that when people start packing their bags or looking for other places to settle, those of us who care about that place should pay attention.  We should demand that local government study the issues by engaging residents and neighborhoods and adjust policy based on this feedback. I believe that the question is less about what makes people leave, but rather, what makes people stay.  

It’s time to engage with you. On September 17, 7pm, at the regularly scheduled Indiana Borough Council work session we will begin to engage in a process to envision where we see our town. As a representative of our borough, I need to hear from you.

I ask that you come to our September 17 work session and be part of the conversation. Where do you see Indiana in 5, 10, 20 years? What assets are we ignoring? How do we tap into our strengths? I ask also that you not be convinced that there are easy answers. This is not a choice between either a Vegas, or Bedford Falls. For one thing, at least one of those places is fictional! More importantly, that’s too simplistic. Indiana,  PA is a unique community within the region. This in itself is an asset. Are we all that we can be? I also ask that you think positively, there are plenty of negatives to go around.

If you are unable to attend on September 17, I encourage you to reach out to your Borough Council member this month. Contact information can be found on the Borough’s website.

Also, please, leave a comment here or on Facebook. Do you have questions about what's going on with the borough? Lets start the conversation now.  

This visioning process only starts on September 17; I hope our community will lead the Borough Council into the coming years.

And oh yea, make sure you're registered to vote!! It's time for a fresh start in Indiana Borough, and it should start with you!

EDIT: 9/12/13 A helpful note from Borough Council person, Peter Broad: 

Peter Broad I agree with G 100%. However, I don't think people should think that the meeting next Tuesday is going to be some kind of open forum where there is a healthy give and take between council members and the general public. I do think that such an open forum, or even a series of them, should be an important part of the visioning process. A council work session is more of a place to learn what issues the council is considering than it is to participate in a dialogue. Members of the public in attendance will each be given three minutes to state their concerns, but normally there is little or no interaction with council members. After this so-called public participation period, the council turns to its agenda and moves on. Work sessions are limited by law to two hours, and no votes can be taken. That said, I think a good turnout of interested people, even if they don't speak, can have a positive effect by making the council members aware that there are community concerns and people willing to take the time to show them.