The borough assemblyman’s job, done well, entails days of preparation and study to be knowledgeable about the issues, endless hours of attending tedious meetings, not to mention phone calls at home and encounters in the street with fellow citizens. The assemblyman must maintain a high ethical standard, and know when to bow out if there is a conflict of interest. It’s a very visible position in a community where civil discourse is too often a goal to be attained instead of an expected way of doing business. At last week’s meeting, without fanfare, Norm Smith left the assembly after years of public service. Thanks, Norm, for all the time and energy you dedicated to this often thankless job. I appreciate your commitment to openness and truth in borough government, the high level of personal integrity you exhibit, and your no-nonsense style.

Joe Ordonez