By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Citing new and increasing professional responsibilities, Montgomery Township Committee member Richard Smith has bowed out of the race for re-election to the governing body.
In Smith’s place, township Planning Board chairman David Cheskis has been endorsed by the Montgomery Township Republican Organization to run for Township Committee in the Nov. 7 general election. The term is for three years.
"I am excited to be the Republican Party candidate for Township Committee. I want to share my vision and ideas with residents over the coming weeks and months," Cheskis said.
Cheskis, who moved to Montgomery in 1998, said it is a "great" place to live and he wants to make it even better. He has been active in the community, and he and his wife have raised their three children here.
Cheskis served as the president of the Pike Run Master Association Board of Trustees, and he is now Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 850 and Cubmaster of Pack 850.
At the municipal level, Cheskis chairs the Planning Board and has served as the chairman and vice chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. He serves on the Site Plan/Subdivision Committee and the Master Plan Committee.
"I have been active in the community for 20 years, and serving on Township Committee would be an extension of that public service. It would be a true honor," Cheskis said.
Cheskis praised Smith, noting that "from reining in spending to reducing debt to preserving open space, he has made a positive impact on our town that will be felt for years to come. His are big shoes to fill."
