Huntington Councilman Gets Letter From White House

After winning election to the Huntington Town Board, Republican Councilman Edmund Smyth, inset, received this congratulatory letter from President Donald Trump.

By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com

Huntington Councilman Edmund Smyth got a surprise from the White House last week.

Smyth, a Republican who was elected to the town board last year, said he received a congratulatory letter from none other than President Donald Trump.

The letter reads, “As a longtime business leader, Marine, and now a member of the Town Council, your continued commitment to your community and our country is inspiring.

“I’m confident that your work at the local level will help Make America Great Again!”

The president also asked Smyth to “give my best” to Suffolk GOP Chairman John LaValle.

Smyth, a Huntington-based lawyer, is a first-time politician. He was officially sworn in on Jan. 2.

Smyth, who has never met Trump, but shares a mutual acquaintance with him, said he was both very surprised and flattered by the president’s letter.

He was also surprised by how much attention the letter garnered across the political spectrums.

“The bigger picture for me was how much interest a very simple letter from the White House generates, regardless of political standing,” he said. “This letter generated a huge amount of attention.”

The letter also addressed Smyth’s wife and children, stating “Melania and I thank you for your encouragement and send our very best wishes to you, Coriander, and your beautiful children.”

Smyth said his family were thrilled by the unexpected letter, and that his wife framed the original copy, and sent off copies to family members.