Smith Dismisses Claims He’s Been Distant During Tenure as Councillor

Councillor for the Chancery Hall Division in North West St. Andrew, the JLP’s Duane Smith, is dismissing claims by residents in the constituency that he has been rude and distant during his tenure.

Smith was nominated as the JLP’s candidate for the constituency’s by-election to be held on November 22.

He will be up against two independent candidates, Rohan Banks and Carl O’Neal Marshall.

But some residents are voicing their discontent with Councillor Smith.

Shaloy Smikle reports.

The residents, who made their grouses known on Cliff Hughes Online on Thursday, say Smith has often times been rude to them or ignored their cries about the poor state of the roads in North West St. Andrew.

But, Smith dismissed the claims that he has not been an effective representative.

Smith also noted that the poor conditions of the roads in the constituency have been a longstanding challenge.

Smith, who has won in the local government polls three times, is aiming to replace former Finance Minister, Dr. Nigel Clarke.

Following his nomination on Wednesday, he told supporters that he’s ready to put in the work as their Member of Parliament.

Smith also noted that he’s not attempting to leech off the work done by his father, Derrick Smith, who served as MP for North West St. Andrew for 29 years.