Ronceverte Mayor David Smith opened the Thursday, July 1, meeting of the Ronceverte City Council the way he usually would, with the sharp, sudden, and unexpected crack of a gavel to get the room’s attention, joking that it was his “last opportunity” to do so.
His only action, aside from opening the meeting, was to swear in the next Ronceverte Mayor Deena Pack.
Smith hands over his gravel to Deena Pack |
Smith thanked the community for letting him serve.
“This past 15 years has been … I’ve been very honored and very proud to have served on the council and, for the last 10 years, as your mayor,” Smith said. “It has been a remarkable car ride in so many ways and I’ve seen some really good things happen to the town in this time. I do appreciate it so very much, your allowing me to be a part of that. I could go on and on and on, but I’m not going to. Thank you, so much.”
The incoming council, including Mayor Pack, Councilmembers Kathy King, and Leah Smith, each celebrated Smith’s public service career.
“I would just like to thank David Smith again for everything he’s done for the town,” King said. “We’re not letting him off the hook — he’s still going to be involved with other projects in the town. We appreciate him and look forward to working with him on the citizen side.”
“I would like to thank Stephen for being here tonight and making that presentation for all of us to David,” Pack said. “To David, for being a very good example of what a mayor should be. I appreciate having that example to look up to and have large shoes to fill.”
Smith announced during the 2021 election cycle that he would not seek re-election, letting someone new step into the seat.
“My years of involvement, with two terms on the council and two terms as mayor, are a really important part for me,” Smith previously told the council. “I keep thinking of all the projects we’ve gotten done, projects we’re looking to, but shoot — I could stay here until I was 100 years old and [we] would still have projects going. At some point, I need to do other things. … This will make things a little better — I’m going to give up three positions here at the end of June. [That] will give me a good bit of free time to deal with the other 20 [positions I’m involved in].”
Stephen Baldwin |
Senate Minority Leader and Ronceverte local Senator Stephen Baldwin also thanked Smith for his service.
“I’ve got a recognition here from the West Virginia Senate and I’d like to read it, if you don’t mind,” said Baldwin. “I’m here tonight to thank you on behalf of the town, on behalf of the citizens, for your dedication to Ronceverte over the past 15 years.”
He then read the resolution:
Whereas David Smith was born in Ronceverte and dutifully served the citizens of this community in the state of West Virginia,
Whereas he began his career of public service as an educator, serving the Greenbrier County School district,
Whereas David Smith furthered his public service by serving on the Ronceverte City Council for 15 years, including eight of which as mayor,
Whereas during his distinguished career, David Smith has been a tireless advocate for his town, working hard to make upgrades in the sewer and water department, it was essential to the sidewalk program that will continue into the future because of his commitment and dedication to the cause,
Whereas David Smith has been instrumental in relocating the town’s historical museum, searching for memorability to be displayed for years to come,
Whereas David Smith is a 25 year member of the Lion’s Club and a longtime member of the Ronceverte Development Corporation
Whereas David Smith has demonstrated excellence in public service and has earned the respect of his colleagues and all people who have crossed his path
Therefore we recognize David Smith for his many years of public service to the community and the great state of West Virginia and extend our appreciation and gratitude.
“I would just like to add to that, for the past year and a half, Mayor Smith has represented the city really well on the COVID-19 Task Force and in working to bring broadband to the area on the Broadband Task Force,” Baldwin said. “For all those many reasons, I want to present this to you, as a thank you.”
Baldwin then presented the resolution to Smith.
“Thank you sir,” Baldwin said.
“Thank you Stephen,” Smith said.
“No, don’t cry,” joked Councilmember Kathy King.
David Smith |
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