The End Of An Era: City Bids Farewell To Councilmember Cameron Smyth

Posted by: Jade Aubuchon in Santa Clarita City Council, Santa Clarita Latest News December 12, 2024 - 2:07 pm 0 1,564 Views

Tuesday night marked the final meeting for Santa Clarita City Councilman Cameron Smyth, ushering in a room filled with well-wishers hoping to honor his contributions to our community for over two decades.

“This is a bittersweet moment for us as we get to say goodbye to Mayor Cameron Smyth, who has dedicated more than two decades of public service to the city of Santa Clarita,” said City Manager Ken Striplin. “Mayor Smyth was first elected to the City Council back in 2000. He played a key role in getting the Cross Valley Connector Project underway. He was there for the grand opening of the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center and many more key projects. In fact, in a recent interview with Cameron, we figured out that during his time as a city council member, he’s been part of or led the implementation of almost $700 million in capital projects over his term as a city councilmember.”

Due to a move to by-district voting, Smyth was no longer able to fill a seat on the council and did not run for re-election.

A Santa Clarita native, Smyth joined the Santa Clarita City Council in 2000, then was re-elected as a councilmember in 2016 after a four-year term in the California State Assembly. Smyth has served as mayor five times, in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2020 and 2024.

Smyth’s fellow members of the city council each honored their friend, sharing special moments and the impact he had on each of them.

“I modeled a lot of what I consider myself as a leader after you, as a person who is raising young children himself, who knows the sacrifices that every minute you’re here at this dais, speaking and working for the community is a minute that you’re away from those that you love,” said councilmember Jason Gibbs. “It is not easy. It wasn’t easy for me just for four years, and you’ve been doing this for over 20. It is an absolute honor to have sat here with you.”

Gibbs ran against Smyth for a seat on the City Council in 2020, losing by nearly 30,000 votes, a fact Gibbs attributed to the integrity and nobility of Smyth’s character.

Mayor Cameron Smyth with volunteer girl scouts | Ian Town

Councilmember Bill Miranda became visibly emotional during his well-wishes, speaking warmly of Smyth’s family.

“I’m old enough to be your father or your mentor … It’s not easy being up here. It’s not easy getting here. It’s not easy being here. It’s not easy staying here for many, many, many reasons,” Miranda said. “And to have someone like Cameron sometimes literally holding my hand, sometimes reaching over and reminding me that it was my turn to speak – not because I’m senile or anything, but because it’s hard to keep up sometimes – he’s my mentor, and I want to grow up to be like Cameron.”

Marsha McLean, who was first elected to City Council the same year as Smyth, echoed the glowing sentiments expressed by others.

“I know we’re going to continue to know each other, so it’s not like I’m going to say goodbye to you, but you have done a fabulous job for this community and on this council, and I will miss very much serving with you as well,” McLean said.

Mayor Cameron Smyth after throwing the first pitch on the new field / Dani Gallegos

Councilmember Laurene Weste, who served as a City Parks and Recreation Commissioner from 1997 until her election to City Council in 1998.

“In your life, you have built a legacy of service, and it shines within you. (…). You care about little things. You’re a Santa Clarita son, you’re a husband, a father, a friend, a brother. And you truly are a legacy in our city’s history, and I don’t think that will be matched,” Weste said.

Smyth was also honored by current and past elected federal, state and local representatives.

“This journey of public service is not a solo effort, it takes everyone. As much as you sacrifice, so does your family,” said former State Senator Scott Wilk. “And like you said, unlike the state legislature you’ve seen the tangible results of your efforts. You’ve been a credit to this community. You give credit to your father and your family name. It’s been an honor to be your friend, and we’re going to continue to work together.”

Mayor Smyth talking to Black Lives Matter community members out front of City Hall.

Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth speaking to demonstrators outside of City Hall. Jamie Araki / KHTS News

Wilk succeeded Smyth as the California State Assemblymember for the 38th District in 2012, serving two terms before his election to State Senate.

“I wish him well as he transitions through a new phase of life and finds something meaningful to occupy his time on two Tuesday evenings every month,” said Dr. Edel Alonso, Board of Trustees president for the California Community College District. “So congratulations and thank you for your service to the community and for your support of our college.”

“First, let me say thank you for your many years of distinguished service to our city and our community as a high-profile elected official, both on the state and local level. You have served us, the residents, with distinction, grace and integrity, you have personified what it means to be an effective leader in your multiple terms as our mayor, you have shown the strength of character by not always doing what is popular, but always doing what is right for our city. You have been an inspiration to many of us who have sought and served in public office,” said Gary Martin, SCV Water board president.

Former William S. Hart Union High School District president Linda Storli also came forward to say a personal and professional farewell to Smyth, who she has known for several decades. A 30-year teacher for the district herself, Storli’s husband, Dennis Koontz, was a member of the first city council. Smyth’s father, Hamilton Clyde Smyth, served as superintendent of the Hart District from 1974 to 1992 and served on the city council after retirement.

“On a serious note, Cameron, I’ve known you forever. I was proud of your first stint on the city council, then onto the state, (…) onto the assembly, and then back to the city,” Storli said. “Your dad would be very proud of you today. Thank you for your service and for getting us incorporated, and for everything you’ve done to honor Dennis.”

“Thank you on behalf of the congressman, for all that you’ve done for the city,” said Tami Stevens, representative for Congressman Mike Garcia. “All told you’ve been here a long time, you have gotten a lot accomplished. Your fingerprints are all over this town, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth and Henry Mayo CEO Roger Weaver
Photo by David Melnarik / KHTS News

“It’s hard to imagine you not being on the city council and not being at events with your light-hearted jokes,’ said Kris Hough, representative for State Senator Suzette Valladares who also previously worked for Wilk. “It’s always fun to be with you Cameron, because you’re a hoot. I hope you hang around for a while.”

“I just wanted to say our office has been very grateful for the work Mayor Cameron Smyth has done for the city of Santa Clarita, he has always found a way to serve this community, something that the assemblywoman truly values,” said Crystal Carr, representative for State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. “ Our office has had a great partnership with the City of Santa Clarita and Mayor Cameron Smyth over the last two years.”

“You know that Kathryn has the utmost respect for you and appreciation for you. She’s really appreciated your collaboration over the years. She will, however, miss poking at you and prodding you when she comes into town. I know she’s going to miss that,” said Stephanie English, representative for Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Your work has been very meaningful to those of us who live here and appreciate what’s been accomplished.”

English went on to list many of Smyth’s accomplishments during his time in the assembly and on the city council.

“In all seriousness, the history that you’ve contributed here has created, for sure, a lasting legacy, foundation, and a launching point that hopefully will keep us grounded in all the good things that you’ve done, that we will continue to do,” English concluded.

“On behalf of the largest and oldest business membership organization in the Santa Clarita Valley, we want to thank you for all you’ve done for the business community, the chamber, for all of our residents, for making this great city tonight we work in and live in,” said John Musella, president of the SCV Chamber of Commerce.

“I want to on a personal note, thank you for your leadership during the Saugus tragedy. I was a parent at that time, and you were so accessible, and I will never forget that,” said Selena Thomas of the Valley Industry Association (VIA). “On behalf of Valley Industry Association, I want to extend my gratitude and sincere best wishes for you, for all of your leadership and your innovative guidance to us that has driven our organization, and I want to wish you all the best.”

“On behalf of Bridge To Home, we want to thank you for all that you’ve done with the Homeless Task Force, with supporting our building, helping us get our building built,” said Dr. Cherise Moore, Bridge To Home board member. “We want you to know that we will forever be grateful to you for that and that we’re going to memorialize your support in helping us get the building finished.”

Moore announced that Bridge To Home would be installing an engraved brick honoring Smyth’ ‘s contributions would be installed on the walkway up to the new shelter entrance.

Smyth was brought other gifts as well, including drawings from the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls’ Club, a commemorative coin from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheirff’’s Foundation, and Kevin McDonald of the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center brought a special order of his favorite meal from the chefs at Bella Vida, a piping hot meatloaf.

Other organizations honoring Smyth included the Santa Clarita Child & Family Center, Salvation Army and Santa Clarita Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC).

Smyth was also recognized by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, the largest sanitation district in the world, for his efforts to protect the health of the Santa Clarita Valley, including ensuring the water entering the Santa Clarita River met federal and state standards.

Smyth called the roll one last time before handing over the gavel to the City Clerk, closing the book on a chapter of the city’s history as an at-large council.

“With that, I’m out,” Smyth said.