Newly-elected Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita, held a community swearing-in ceremony and town hall at Oak Hills Elementary School Saturday.

The ceremony included remarks by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Los Angeles, and State Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, who joined local dignitaries in recognition of Smith.

“I’m a believer in public service, I’m a believer in showing up, I’m a believer in doing the hard work, I’m a believer in never giving up and that’s everything you’re about,” said Hertzberg to Smith during his opening statement. “That’s the reason you’re going to be a great legislator.”

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Smith addressed the crowd, promising to uphold their needs in the coming months.

“My commitment to you is that as we engage in the community it will be issues based and issues-driven,” said Smith. “I’m not going to sell myself as candidate, I will be here to work for you as your legislator.”

Christy Smith shares the stage with Santa Clarita City Council Members Mayor Pro Tem Cameron Smyth, Mayor Marsha McLean, and Councilwoman Laurene West. Photo by KHTS News.

Smith also outlined her legislative priorities for the next 22 months, including governmental transparency, consumer privacy rights, environmental policy, support for first responders and education.

“There is a significant difference between a campaign and government, governing is doing the work of the people,” said Smith. “What you can count on from me is a good conversation coming from a good set of facts so that we can improve quality of life with our work up in Sacramento.”

She also mentioned that of the calls that her office receives, one of the most common concerns relate to the current DMV situation in Santa Clarita.

Smith also answered questions from community members regarding the current legislative session and the Governor’s proposed budget.

The current proposed budget promises about $191 billion in state-collected revenue, $105 billion federal funds, and another $209 billion in committed expenditures, and about half of that goes to education, according to Smith. The remainder is divided between health, human services, corrections, natural resources and government operations.

A highlight of the budget, according to Smith, is the $20.5 billion discretionary fund for this fiscal year, part of which may be used to pay into a “rainy-day-fund” or to pay down ongoing state debt.

Assemblywoman Smith also announced plans to invite residents to join her for coffee and conversation through four events in April and May, in Simi Valley, Porter Ranch, Castaic and Canyon Country.

“Let’s continue to have open conversations based on fact,” said Smith. “We can go into the different opinions on solutions, but facts matter, and faith in our government institutions matter.”

The Castaic event is planned for Saturday, May 11,  from 10 a.m to 11:30 a.m. at It’s a Grind Coffee House, and the Canyon Country event is planned for Saturday, May 25,  from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Roast and Perk.

More information is expected to be available on the Smith’s website here.

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