'Man for All Seasons, Only Mayor I've Known'—Council Reflects on David Smith's Leadership

Ana Apodaca has never known Newark without David Smith.

The councilwoman was just a toddler when the longtime mayor was elected to the city council, so when he called last week, she didn't expect to hear that he had decided to retire.

"I had no clue. … He's the only mayor that I know," said Apodaca, who has sat on the council alongside Smith for five years.

Thursday marked the first council meeting since Smith announced on May 18 his decision to not run for a 17th consecutive term. Council members say Newark will miss the man they've called mayor for the past 33 years, a man known for his humor, collaborative direction and strong leadership.

Councilman Al Nagy has been there from the beginning, daring the mayor to go for a city council seat back in 1976 and acting as campaign manager when Smith decided to go for the mayorship.

"David is like the ringmaster. It can be a circus, but he has that unique ability to keep things straightened out," said Nagy, who was elected to the council in 1980.

Smith was in his first year as mayor when California implemented Proposition 13, which limited property taxes. "That really changed Newark. It changed California," Nagy said.

Nagy said he has witnessed the transformation of Newark into a more business-minded community under Smith's leadership.

"He used to always say you couldn't buy a pair of pants in town back then," Nagy said. Smith was key in bringing businesses like NewPark Mall and the Balentine Avenue car dealerships to town, he added.

"It's a testament to his flexibility and leadership," Nagy added.

Apodaca said this skill set has been valuable in the past few years in which Newark was obliged to make $8 million in city budget cuts.

"It was nice to have a person there who has been through that," Apodaca said.

And while Apodaca and Smith didn't always see eye-to-eye, Apodaca said she always appreciated Smith's approach.

"We talk our differences out to get to the same goal, which is what's good for Newark," she said.

Councilmember Al Huezo expressed the same sentiment.

"He led by example. He never embarrassed the staff," Huezo said.

Huezo has had the opportunity to work both with and for the mayor. He served as Newark's city manager from 1996 to 2005.

"When I joined the city council, we got to know each other better...and I really, truly appreciated his support, his friendship, but mostly his sense of humor," Huezo said.

"He's been there for me, in wellness and in health. He's a man for all seasons."

At Thursday's meeting, councilmembers expressed gratitude for Smith's service.

"It's amazing to me how much time and effort you've given to this job," said Councilman Al Nagy.

Councilman Luis Freitas added, "It was a complete shock... and since last week, you look younger."

Freitas' comment was welcomed with laughter from the mayor.

Smith said the reality of it is still sinking in.

"I certainly enjoyed just about every moment here," Smith said. "It's been wonderful, and you all are still stuck with me for six more months," he joked.

With Smith's retirement and two council seats up for election, current council members said the dynamic of the council is a sure to change.

Still, council members are confident that staff members will continue serving Newark to the best of their ability.

"Things will be different, but it'll be business as usual," Nagy said.

The transition will be one that Newark will get through, added Huezo.

"We have a staff that has been around for a while who know the culture that Dave and others have planted well," Huezo said. "That is his legacy, and that's going to last a long time."