[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 155 (Tuesday, December 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING DAVE SMITH, NEWARK'S RECENTLY RE-ELECTED MAYOR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2005

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Newark, CA's Mayor Dave 
Smith. His recent re-election makes him the second longest serving 
mayor in the country as he embarks on his 28th consecutive year of 
service.
  Mayor Smith began his career in public service as the Fremont chapter 
president of the Jaycees, a fraternal business group. He then ran for, 
and was elected to, the Newark city council in 1976. Two years later he 
was elected Mayor, where he has remained ever since.
  During his tenure, Newark has become a model for the country to 
follow. It has a $35 million surplus, a low crime rate, beautiful parks 
and well-maintained streets. Newark city council meetings are efficient 
and exemplify Mayor Smith's ability to build consensus among the city's 
leadership.
  He has steered Newark through the dot-com boom and bust, avoiding the 
common pitfalls that plague many other cities. His plans for managed 
growth have allowed Newark to thrive. Also, he is a respected 
governmental figure--not an easy trick for a Republican representing a 
city that is registered 55 percent Democratic.
  Smith's nickname, Mr. Newark, is well deserved. With an easy style 
prone to practical jokes and trombone solos, he has become an 
accomplished politician, a beloved public servant and a committed 
member of his community.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dave Smith's dedicated commitment to the 
city he serves. His ability to lead Newark, one of the jewels of the 
East Bay, is unquestionable and I for one hope he continues to serve 
for another 28 years.

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