Keep Joseph Smith in 2nd District council seat

District 2 council voters should give Joseph Smith the opportunity to build on his experience since being appointed by Mayor Jim Gray in May to fill the seat vacated by Sasha Love Higgins, who resigned after being indicted on felony charges.

Predictably for a newcomer, Smith’s months on the job haven’t produced a laundry list of tangible accomplishments. His quiet, low-key approach defies the usual aggressiveness of a politician; but he is observant, caring and knows the district well.

A Realtor with a social-work degree, a Big Brother, Jaycee and Townley Park Homeowners Association member, Smith is a lifelong resident of Lexington. His diverse district includes Historic Western Suburb, Irishtown, Griffin Gate, Meadowthorpe and Masterson Station neighborhoods.

Smith advocates for a library branch in the district, and voices concern about the usual array of issues with which council representatives must deal: public safety, traffic, affordable housing. A supporter of the Purchase of Development Rights program, Smith’s vote against expanding the Urban Services Area apparently cost him the endorsement of the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors.

Challenger Josh McCurn, an insurance agent, youth soccer coach and McConnell’s Trace neighborhood association leader, is likeable and energetic, with plenty to offer in public service. He speaks of more resources for public safety, more community policing and of economic development, which he’d like to see linked to more affordable housing. He also feels more town halls might help curb political divisiveness.

Both candidates see the need to relocate city hall. Smith was a supporter of revamping the current Herald-Leader building for that purpose. A look at Kentucky Registry of Election Finance records indicates more broad-based grassroots support for Smith, and more organization-based PAC money going to McCurn.

On balance, we urge returning Joseph Smith to a full term on the council and look forward to a more vocal and demonstrative leadership role in his first full term.