Hello Cortlandt! I would like to take a moment to introduce myself and to let you know why you should vote for me to represent you on the Cortlandt Town Board.

The short answer is I firmly believe that through hard work and determination I can make a positive difference in our local government. Throughout my personal life and professional career, I have combined research and imagination to solve challenges and have always relished being responsible for the outcome. I have the ability to present complex information with clarity and insight, and am instinctively curious about finding better ways to get things done which has allowed me to successfully rise in my career and personal endeavors. My private sector experience coupled with the executive position I hold, provides me with a unique insight into how government policies can affect local business and the citizens within our community.

I am not, nor will I become an average career politician. I am not jaundiced to one view or another. I am simply a lifelong member of our beautiful community and care deeply about it and my fellow citizens. In 2020 I became the President of the Verplanck Residents Association (VRA) and led a successful fight to stop the “Port Cortlandt” project, which our Town Board was considering, up until October 2020. I was not convinced that the Town Board was listening and responding appropriately to the concerns and direction of the citizens that would be most affected by this massive industrial project. Through public outreach and education, I was able to raise the public’s awareness as to the scope and ramifications of the project. I encouraged and promoted an open dialog which included voices from all sides of the issue, so that in the end the will of the people was honored. 

Working with the VRA sparked my interest in serving my community in a capacity that I had not previously imagined. I found that I have a knack for working with people of differing viewpoints to resolve issues in a way that is mutually beneficial. In fact, for over 20 years, in my capacity as BSA Scout Leader, I have mentored hundreds of young people, training them to be Servant Leaders, and good, thoughtful members of our society. I believe that it is time to put into practice the values and strategies that I have taught all these years. I hope that you will give me the chance to serve you and the community.

If you would like to know more about who I am, read on.

I have lived in beautiful Hamlet of Verplanck, the riverfront jewel of the Town of Cortlandt, since my birth in 1963. After graduating from Hendrick Hudson High in 1981, I earned a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State College in graphic design. It was there that I met the love of my life, Marjorie Koepsell. We were married in 1987 and have raised three amazing children together.

For the past 27 years I have worked for Earth Enterprise, a multi- million-dollar commercial printer in New York City that is dedicated to preserving our planet. At Earth Enterprise we calculate the carbon footprint of every job we produce and offset it by planting useful trees in Central America. I began there as a graphic artist and am now the Director of Operations.  Earth Enterprise prides itself on being the “greenest printer in America”.

As a lifelong volunteer within our community, I have lectured at St. Patricks Church where I was baptized as an infant, I have been a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Society for 40 years, and for the past 22 years, I have been an adult leader with Boy Scouts of America. I have held every unit position within the BSA including Den Leader, Cub Master, Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster as well as currently volunteering at the county level as Unit Commissioner and Outdoor Events Program Coordinator. I was recently offered the position of District Commissioner, which I have proudly accepted and will be responsible for all Cub and Scout Units in our District in Westchester. A major tenet of Scouting is to instill in our members an acute reverence and appreciation for our environment. Scouting teaches our youth to “leave no trace” in the outdoors. Scouts are taught that when they are in the woods, they should “take only pictures” and to “leave only footprints”. For over two decades teaching youth to be well rounded, productive, good citizens has been one of my most fulfilling callings.     

During my leadership with the BSA, I have trained youth to become “Servant Leaders” who I have no doubt, will make great contributions to our society as good citizens. I have always stressed that with hard work, and if one endeavors to always “Do Their Best” and “Be Prepared” one will certainly go far in life. I am immensely proud of every one of the hundreds of Scouts that I mentored over the years, eighteen of which attained the high rank of Eagle Scout. 

Now that you know a little about me and my commitment to our beautiful community, there continues to be a great need for collaboration and wise planning for the benefit of Cortlandt. Currently the VRA is working with the Town Board on the wise development of our beautiful “Quarry Park” riverfront property. We are working on a solution that utilizes both business and recreation initiatives that will organically grow our tax base, provide jobs and enhance our waterfront amenities. Through the VRA I am continuing to raise awareness and encourage ALL of our citizens to get involved in our local government. I encourage all concerned citizens to make their voices heard, to share ideas and to help improve our town.  

I hope that you will support me for the Town Council Seat by casting your vote for me in November.

If you have any questions or would like to meet with me, please contact me via email at warren@smith4townboard.com or say Hi if you see me walking around town.