Andrew Smith Sworn in as Ward 1 Councilmember at July 7 Council Meeting

Andrew Smith has been sworn in as Summit's Ward 1 councilmember, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former Councilmember Bob Pawlowski. The Common Council unanimously confirmed Smith's appointment at its June 16 meeting. He was privately sworn in following that meeting and appeared publicly at the dais for the first time at the July 7 Common Council meeting, when Mayor Elizabeth Fagan performed the formal ceremony.

Smith will serve the remainder of Pawlowski's term, which expires at the end of 2026.

"I am thrilled that Andy is joining us on the dais," Mayor Fagan said. "He brings a deep and long-standing commitment to community service along with impressive credentials and extensive professional experience to successfully fill this position. I want to thank him for his willingness to serve and be a voice for residents."

Smith has demonstrated extensive civic engagement across multiple Summit boards and committees. He served as co-chairman of the Memorial Day Parade for over a decade, holds multiple terms on the Board of Health and the Department of Community Programs Advisory Board, and has served on the Veterans Affordable Housing Project Committee. He has also held several leadership positions with American Legion Post 322 in Summit and volunteered as a coach for youth baseball, basketball, and flag football programs.

Professionally, Smith is an attorney and co-founder of the Summit law firm Smith + Schwartzstein LLC, established with his wife Kathryn in 2009. He is bar-admitted in New Jersey, New York, and multiple federal districts, and has been recognized by New Jersey Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. Before entering private practice, Smith clerked for Superior Court Judge Sybil R. Moses, New Jersey's first female Assignment Judge, and practiced litigation at the firm Gibbons P.C.

Smith previously served as an Artillery Officer in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Captain and deploying to overseas locations. He holds a J.D. from Boston College Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology. He lives in Summit with his wife and three children.

For more information on the Summit Common Council and its meetings, visit cityofsummit.org/council. Explore Summit news, government announcements, and community information on Union County Life.


Photo Credit: https://www.cityofsummit.org/ Summit Common Council


FAQ

Who is Andrew Smith?
Andrew Smith is a Summit attorney and co-founder of Smith + Schwartzstein LLC. He is bar-admitted in New Jersey, New York, and multiple federal districts and has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. He has served on numerous Summit boards and committees and volunteers as a youth sports coach.

Why was there a vacancy in Ward 1?
The vacancy was created by the resignation of former Councilmember Bob Pawlowski.

How long will Andrew Smith serve?
Smith will serve the remainder of Pawlowski's term, which expires at the end of 2026.

When was Andrew Smith confirmed?
The Summit Common Council unanimously confirmed Smith's appointment at its June 16 meeting. He was publicly sworn in by Mayor Elizabeth Fagan at the July 7 Common Council meeting.

What is Andrew Smith's background in community service?
Smith served as co-chairman of Summit's Memorial Day Parade for over a decade, holds multiple terms on the Board of Health and Department of Community Programs Advisory Board, and has served on the Veterans Affordable Housing Project Committee. He is also active with American Legion Post 322 and has volunteered as a coach for youth sports programs.

What is Andrew Smith's military background?
Smith served as an Artillery Officer in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Captain and deploying to overseas locations before attending law school.