Read Councilman Smith's Farewell Speech

Before resigning his seat and handing it to his predecessor Daryl Jones, Anne Arundel County Council's First District representative Peter Smith issued the following statement at Monday night's council meeting:

"Eighteen months ago I started my journey of service to this body and this district on the notion that at some point in the future, due to legal circumstances, I may have to step aside. During that time, I have learned a lot about who I am and my purpose for serving, and while I would love nothing more than to continue to serve in this capacity, I understand that this role has come to an end.

"I do this for the sake of the institution and the wholehearted belief int our judicial system. the legal process has spoken, and while there may questions about semantics, it is clear to me what need to be done.anything short of this would not be responsible or in the best interest of our institution, and I cannot in good faith by my action or lack of action condone or endorse a process in which … justice has been served.it is and always will be the right thing to do."

Smith then thanked Linda Harris, his legislative aid, and his colleagues. Then, he addressed his district

"To my district thank you, I have felt your embrace and tried my best to represent you in a manner that was honorable and transparent.  My desire to serve you was not based (inaudible), but on the love that I have for our communities. and i want you to know that that love will always be there long after I leave these halls.

"Finally to Councilman Jones, I wish you well, sir. I will continue to aid you if needed, this seat is not about you or me but the families and businesses that need us to advocate on their behalf. It is their call in which we answer, and to that end I offer my resignation as a way to start the healing process and to turn a page on this chapter. Sir, this seat is yours."