Warden Smith looking forward to her third stint in the office

Craig Bakay | Jan 08, 2020

They say third time’s the charm and it could be so for new Frontenac County Warden Frances Smith. Smith, who is on County Council by virtue of being Mayor of Central Frontenac Township, was sworn in in December for a third term as warden, having served previously in 1996 and 20 years later in 2016 during the last County Council term.

“In 1996, there were 29 people around the horseshoe so it was bit intimidating,” Smith said. “This time, I know the people on Council as many of them were also on Council in the previous term.

“Also, I know a little bit more of what to expect.”

Smith said she’s actually looking forward to the job, although it’s already taking up much of her time.

“Already January is booked solid,” she said. “There are a lot more conferences to attend when you’re warden and each one requires a lot of reading to prepare. But that’s what I signed up for and I do still enjoy it or I wouldn’t be doing it.”

Smith said agreements with the City of Kingston figure prominently in this term’s agenda as do budget cuts to Fairmount Home and the Frontenac Paramedic Service

She said she looks forward to business development in the County with events like last year’s Open Farms and other agritourism and “foodie events.”

“I think the County kind of kickstarted those but as others started to get involved, I think they’ll grow stronger with the County assisting more than taking the lead,” she said.

She said that while she was reluctant to do the social media County Council recaps, they seem to have a following and she’ll continue doing them, “event though I had no aspirations of being an actress growing up.”

Frontenac County wardens serve a one year term. Only the mayors of the Frontenac townships are eligible to seek election. Smith, who served as deputy warden in 2019, was acclaimed to the role. South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewal was acclaimed to the position of deputy warden.