California's Longest Serving Mayor Ready to Enter Next Stage of Career

Come November, David Smith will follow the footsteps of his predecessor, Mayor James Balentine, as he leaves his seat as Newark's mayor.

Imitating the former mayor's raspy voice, Smith recalled the words Balentine said when Smith was elected mayor in 1978: "Here's your new mayor. I'm going fishing," he mimicked with a chuckle.

But Balentine then turned to Smith and said he'd always be around if Smith, then 32, needed his help as he took on the role of the city's top elected official.

After 33 years at the job, Smith intends to do the same. The most senior mayor of California announced Wednesday evening that he is not seeking re-election in November.

"I promise to do the same. I won't get in the way, but I will be there if needed," Smith said.

The decision to not run for a 17th term was one Smith made after much consideration. It came two days after he resigned from his post as executive director for the Ohlone Community College Foundation.

"I'm going to be 66 by the end of this year, and I have a lot of interests," said Smith, who said he hasn't had time to pursue his hobbies in depth. "I like to go after stuff full blast. The bucket list is getting full."

The first on his list?

"I promised my wife that my first job is cleaning up the garage, and then cleaning up my office," he said, laughing. "And then I'm wide open to a world of discovery."

Smith isn't worried about the stereotype of boredom coming with retirement. He plans to fill his time developing his hobbies, such as golfing, fishing and, of course, playing the trombone.

Smith plays with the , a wind ensemble, and hopes to continue expressing his musical talents.

But as a grandfather of six, Smith most looks forward to spending time with his grandchildren. Photos of his youngest granddaughter fill his office on the Fremont Ohlone campus.

"It's time I get to know my grandkids better, and let them get to know grandpa better," he said.

While Smith plans to stay in Newark, he said he will miss the people he encounters daily.

Calls and emails have flooded in since Smith announced he will not be seeking re-election, and it hasn't been easy on him.

"Truthfully, you get kind of misty. It puts a lump in your throat. Some remember a good time, or a "Yowza" moment. I'm going through the kaleidoscope of emotions," Smith said.

Working as a team on both the City Council in Newark and at the Ohlone College Foundation will be what Smith will miss most, along with the trust he has established within both entities.

"There's a spirit in this community," Smith said.

The night he announced his resignation, Smith attended the city's 26th annual City of Newark Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. There, the City of Newark recognized numerous volunteers.

Humbly, Smith said he only plays one role in the city and that the people, including the volunteers who were honored, are what makes up the spirit of the town of 44,000 residents.

"I've been blessed to just be a part of that," he said.

His advice for the next mayor? Embrace the community and its people.

"And walk it, not just talk it," he said. "The city will be just fine, no matter whose hands it's in."