Newark Mayor Nearing The End Of His Last Term

On Dec. 8, Newark will bid farewell to a veteran of its own. 

That day will be last day in office.

Smith, who became mayor in 1978 at the age of 32, is the longest serving mayor in California and the second-longest serving mayor in the United States.

But after 33 years, he is calling it quits so he can spend more time with his family.

Smith decided. A formal gala to celebrate Smith’s retirement is scheduled for Jan. 27.

In a recent interview with The Pioneer, CSU East Bay’s student-run publication, Smith talked about how he came to decide that this term would be his last and shares his advice for Mayor-Elect Al Nagy.

Read more of his interview with Pioneer Assistant A&E Editor and Newark Patch freelancer on ThePioneerOnline.com.