State Senator Bob Smith proudly represents the rights and
interests of the citizens of the 17th Legislative District,
a dynamic and ever-changing community, which includes
parts of Middlesex and Somerset Counties. Having served
in the New Jersey State Legislature since 1986, first as a
State Assemblyman and in 2002 as State Senator, Bob Smith
is considered one of the State’s leading environmental
lawmakers. Currently, Senator Smith is the Chairman of the
Senate Environment and Energy Committee and a member
of the Senate Judiciary Committee as well as a member of
the State House Commission.
Senator Smith’s legislative accomplishments include the
Highlands Preservation Act, Site Remediation Reform (LSRP),
Barnegat Bay cleanup, including the most stringent fertilizer
law in the United States, the Recycling Enhancement Act,
Electronic Waste Management Act, the most recent $400
million Green Acres Initiative (approved by New Jersey
voters in 2009) and a host of legislation stimulating solar
and alternative energy in New Jersey.
Senator Smith has a long record of public service having
served as Mayor of Piscataway Township from 1981-1986
and was a member of the Township Council from 1977-1981,
serving as Council President and Vice President. From 1991-
1992 he served as the Chairman of the Middlesex County
Democratic Organization. He also served as Chairman of the
New Jersey Democratic Task Force on the Environment in
1987 and was counsel to the New Jersey State Democratic
Platform in both 1987 and 1989. From 1995-1996 he served
as Deputy Minority Leader in the General Assembly.
Senator Bob Smith is a uniquely qualified legislator. Prior to
becoming an attorney in private practice, Senator Smith was
a Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Science at
Middlesex County College. He holds Master’s degrees in
Chemistry from the University of Scranton and
Environmental Science from Rutgers University, as well as
a J.D. in law from Seton Hall University.
He and his wife Ellen live and work in Piscataway Township.
They are parents to two grown daughters and are proud
grandparents of five grandchildren.
