Summit Officials Agree On Appointment To Fill Council Seat

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit officials have officially filled a vacant seat on the Common Council, unanimously appointing Andrew Smith to represent Ward 1 during the June 16 meeting.

The appointment follows the resignation of Council Member Bob Pawlowski, who stepped down last month after saying he could no longer balance the demands of his legal career with public service. His departure took effect at the end of May.

At the June 16 meeting, council members moved forward with selecting a replacement through a process outlined under state law. Because Pawlowski was elected as a Republican, the local Republican committee was tasked with submitting three candidates for consideration, with the council making the final appointment.

Council Member Jaclyn Lasaracina introduced the resolution, saying members took time to review all three candidates before making their decision.

“We’ve had the opportunity to look at the qualifications, speak with the candidates, and really understand what each person brought forward,” Lasaracina said. “I’m very pleased to move forward with appointing Andrew Smith as our Ward One council member.”

Nick Curiel, chair of the Summit Republican City Committee, said the committee put forward three qualified individuals and supported the council’s selection process.

“I provided three excellent candidates, and I’m sure it wasn’t an easy choice,” Curiel said. “Each one was well qualified, but I appreciate the process and I’m glad we can move forward.”

Smith was not present at the meeting. Curiel said he was unable to attend due to a health-related issue and is expected to return at the next council meeting.

Council Member Chantal Landman also spoke in support of the appointment, noting her familiarity with Smith through community activities.

“I know Andy from sitting next to each other at many, many basketball games over the past few years, and also know his mother-in-law and his wife and others, and I’m excited to have him join us in this capacity,” Landman said. “I think he’ll be a great addition to the team.”

A formal public swearing-in is expected at the council’s next meeting on July 7, when Smith will officially be welcomed into the role and begin serving on committees.