Video: Raline Smith-Reid sums up 16 years on Morristown council

Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid listens to plaudits from Councilwoman Michelle Dupree Harris. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid listens to plaudits from Councilwoman Michelle Dupree Harris. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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Video: Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid pulls no punches in farewell remarks

By Kevin Coughlin

Raline Smith-Reid expressed thanks on Tuesday to all who supported her during 16 years on the Morristown council.

She also threw in a “no thanks” to Mayor Tim Dougherty and Councilwoman Toshiba Foster, who lost in the 2011 Democratic primary but  pursued costly recounts.

“I remember when I first was elected to the town council, I had very ambitious ideas about how I could affect the board and get them focused on Second Ward issues, and particularly affordable housing. I thought at the time it would be an easy sell to fellow council members,” Smith-Reid said.

“Well, after spending close to $17,000 in legal fees…defending my elections, I came to realize that getting people to do the right things is not easy in this town, and with this Administration and governing body.”

“I wish her great success, and a great time with her grandchildren,” the Mayor said afterward. “I commend her for 16 years of service.”  Foster left the meeting without commenting.

Smith-Reid said she hoped to be remembered as an advocate for affordable housing.

When she was in college, she said, public housing “changed my life.”

The Democrat unsuccessfully backed Republican Pastor Sidney Williams Jr. as her successor, but said she was proud to have “fought the good fight” and vowed to remain involved — as long as it doesn’t interfere with her day job as a systems analyst, or with visits to her daughter in college and her son and new grandchild.

Smith-Reid gets one more swan song: The council decided to meet once more this year, on Dec. 22, 2015.

Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid listens to plaudits from Councilwoman Michelle Dupree Harris. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid listens to plaudits from Councilwoman Michelle Dupree Harris. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

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