Andrew Smith Sworn In as Summit Common Council Member, Ward 1

Andrew Smith was publicly sworn in as a Summit Common Council member during a Tuesday night council meeting, filling the Ward 1 seat vacated by Bob Pawlowski, who resigned earlier in 2026. Mayor Elizabeth Fagan administered the oath of office.

The council unanimously confirmed Smith's appointment at its June 16 meeting. He was sworn in privately shortly after that confirmation to begin his duties. Tuesday's ceremony served as his public swearing-in. Smith will serve the remainder of Pawlowski's term, which expires at the end of 2026.

Mayor Fagan praised Smith's qualifications and commitment. "I'm thrilled that Andy is joining us on the dais. 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," Fagan said.

Smith is a Summit resident who lives with his wife and three children. His community involvement spans more than a decade. He has served as co-chair of Summit's Memorial Day Parade for more than ten years, served on Summit's Board of Health, and sat on the Department of Community Programs Advisory Board. He has also volunteered as a youth baseball, basketball, and flag football coach.

Professionally, Smith is an attorney and co-founder of the Summit law firm Smith + Schwartzstein LLC. He served as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of captain.

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FAQ

Q: Who is Andrew Smith, and why was he sworn in as a Summit Common Council member?
A: Andrew Smith was appointed and unanimously confirmed by the Summit Common Council on June 16, 2026, to fill the Ward 1 seat vacated by Bob Pawlowski, who resigned earlier in 2026. He will serve the remainder of Pawlowski's term through the end of 2026.

Q: Who administered the oath of office?
A: Mayor Elizabeth Fagan administered the oath of office at the public swearing-in ceremony during Tuesday night's council meeting.

Q: What is Andrew Smith's professional background?
A: Andrew Smith is an attorney and co-founder of the Summit law firm Smith + Schwartzstein LLC. He also served as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of captain.

Q: What community involvement does Andrew Smith have in Summit?
A: Smith has served as co-chair of Summit's Memorial Day Parade for more than ten years, served on Summit's Board of Health, sat on the Department of Community Programs Advisory Board, and has volunteered as a youth baseball, basketball, and flag football coach.

Q: What did Mayor Fagan say about Smith's appointment?
A: Mayor Fagan said Smith brings "a deep and long-standing commitment to community service along with impressive credentials and extensive professional experience" and thanked him for his willingness to serve and be a voice for residents.