The Gregory Z. Smith Campaign has already received and deposited several contributions toward my run to be the next City Councillor for District 2.  We have also returned one contribution.  You may ask, why did some get accepted,  and why did one get returned?

I have explained to a number of people, including family and friends who do not live in District 2 and wanted to contribute that I have put before this campaign the challenge of raising all of its funds from within the district.  To me it will be a privilege to represent District 2, and part of that privilege is to be able to say that all campaign contributions have not only been local, they've been from within the boundaries of this district.

Thus, if someone lives in District 2 or owns a business in District 2, this campaign appreciates support that comes with a financial contribution.  Clearly the residents get to choose their councilor by voting, and it is essential that they be among those helping a campaign with financial and moral support.  Additionally, even though business owners who do not live in the district do not get to vote for its representation, their investment in the district is important, and I feel that it is logical that they also should be able to invest in its representation.

As I told one person who questioned this challenge, I like to go fast, and I like to win.  However, neither is more important to me than doing this in a way that is consistent with my own sense of  what is appropriate for my campaign.