Earl Smith To Be Honored By Friends, Local Democrats

By John Voket

Longtime local educator and former Democratic Town Committee chairman Earl Smith, Jr, will be the guest of honor at the DTC’s first Jefferson-Jackson-Bailey Dinner, set for September 8 at the Villa Restaurant in Sandy Hook.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with a cash bar will begin at 6 pm and dinner is scheduled to follow at 7.  The cost is $60 per person. 

Current DTC Chairman Jim Juliano called Mr Smith a good friend and fellow Democrat for many years.

“His dedication to his profession has enriched the lives of Newtown students and teachers for several decades,” said Mr Juliano. “He has been involved in many professional, community, and Democratic organizations — always with the concern for others.”

Former first selectman Herb Rosenthal said he has known and respected Mr Smith for more than 50 years.

“He has always been a person of the utmost honor and integrity. A passionate advocate for causes that he believes in, such as his successful campaign for full funding of teacher retirement benefits, he has always done so in a dignified and respectful manner.” 

Mr Rosenthal said Mr Smith was one of his mentors who gave the former first selectman great support and encouragement over the years. 

“As Democratic Town chairman, he was a  respected leader with Newtown’s best interests always first and foremost,” Mr Rosenthal added. “He has also been a proud Democrat and deserves to be the honoree at our Jefferson- Jackson-Bailey Dinner.”

Borough of Newtown Warden and local Board of Finance Vice Chairman James Gaston said Mr Smith’s reputation is not only well known in Newtown, but throughout Connecticut.

“Earl Smith is one of the most beloved persons, not only in the Newtown community, but in our entire state,” Mr Gaston said. “His invaluable counsel, common sense, and refusal to speak negatively about any other human being has made him not only the quintessential statesman, but the consummate role model. He is true jewel of a human being and merits the highest honors we can bestow upon him.” 

After a 25-year friendship, Legislative Councilman Dan Amaral also spoke of Mr Smith’s kindness and willingness to help anyone in need.

“He was a customer and friend, as well as being a leader with the town committee,” Mr Amaral said. “He’s an honest and straightforward person with a lot of friends in the community because of his long service to the school system.”

Mr Rosenthal added that while it is a DTC fundraiser and thus political, “There are a number of Republicans who are friendly with Mr Smith from his other activities and some former students and colleagues who have told me that they are attending. The event is open to the public and all are welcome.

“I assume that the evening and comments will be a tribute to Earl rather than partisan politics, so in my opinion it would a good event for anyone who likes Earl,” Mr Rosenthal said.

For more information on the event, contact Mr Juliano at 203-426-0065.