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Lee Smyth is the newest member of the Kenbridge Town Council. The real estate agent with Long & Foster has been a Kenbridge resident since 2017 and fills the seat left vacant by Alan Hersherberger’s resignation. 

Kenbridge Town Manager Tony Matthews said three letters of intent were submitted to the administration for last Tuesday’s council meeting. The council chose between the three and appointed Smyth to the seat. 

Now this can either be a short appointment or have the potential for something more. Hershberger’s term expires at the end of December, as he was up for re-election. As the appointed person, Smyth can either run for a full term this fall or choose to simply serve the rest of the existing term and then step down.

It was a quick decision because that’s what the town ordinances call for. From the time a council seat is vacated in town, the council has 45 days to appoint a replacement. Council seats have previously been vacated for reasons in years past such as health issues, relocation out of town limits, or personal obligations that leave a councilperson unable to remain in the role. Sitting council members are required to reside within the Kenbridge town limits and commit to attending the Town Council meeting on the third Tuesday of each month, as well as committing to attending committee meetings if assignment requires.