After 14 years on the Santa Clarita City Council and five terms as mayor, Cameron Smyth has officially left his position. In his farewell speech, Smyth expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his hometown and thanked residents for their support.
Smyth’s time on the council was marked by significant investments in capital projects, with over $700 million being spent during his tenure. His departure comes as the city moves to district-based elections, with two new districts created to represent different populations.
Patsy Ayala won a seat on the council, representing District 1 and becoming the first Latina to hold the position. Ayala thanked Smyth for “hearing voices” and promised to continue advocating for her constituents.
Councilman Bill Miranda will serve as mayor for the next year, while Councilwoman Laurene Weste will take on the role of mayor pro tem. However, there was a slight disagreement over the rotation of roles among council members, with some questioning why Smyth was not given more opportunities to lead.
Smyth’s departure marks the end of an era in Santa Clarita politics, and he is being honored by a range of prominent figures, including former Senator Scott Wilk and local officials. The city will be moving forward with new leadership and new priorities, but Smyth’s legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Source: https://signalscv.com/2024/12/and-with-that-im-out-smyth-bids-adieu-to-city-council-ayala-sworn-in