Latest news with #CiaraSmith
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ciara Smith appointed mayor of Anniston following Draper resignation
ANNISTON, Ala. (WIAT) — Anniston Vice Mayor Ciara Smith was appointed mayor Friday following the resignation of Jack Draper. Draper announced his intention to resign earlier this week, citing a need to 'focus on my family, health and career.' In a statement released Friday morning, the Anniston City Council thanked Draper for his 'integrity, vision, and steady guidance he provided throughout his tenure.' The council's full statement can be read below. When a mayoral vacancy exists in Anniston, the vice mayor immediately assumes the office. Smith was unanimously appointed to the position of vice mayor in 2020 after being elected Councilmember of the 3rd Ward. She was 21 at the time. Smith will take office immediately. Full statement from the Anniston City Council: 'The Mayor of the City of Anniston, Jack Draper, submitted his resignation to the City Clerk effective today, May 2, 2025. The City of Anniston, its elected officials, employees, and citizens extend their sincere gratitude to Mayor Draper for his years of dedicated service and leadership. His commitment to the City has left a lasting impact, and we thank him for the integrity, vision, and steady guidance he provided throughout his tenure. We wish Mayor Draper all the best in his future endeavors and continued good health. 'In accordance with Article III of Act No. 404, S.430, Regular Session 1953, when a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Assistant Mayor (Vice Mayor) shall assume and hold the office of Mayor until the next Council takes office. As such, Vice Mayor Ciara Smith (ccsmith@ who was unanimously appointed to the position by the Anniston City Council on November 3, 2020, will now assume the office of Mayor, effective immediately. 'As a result of this transition, the council seat for Ward 3 has become vacant and may be filled by the Council, as provided by Ala. Code § 45-8A-23.060. 'The City of Anniston will begin accepting resumes for the Ward 3 vacancy on Monday, May 5, 2025. All resumes should be hand-delivered to the City Manager's Office (1129 Noble Street, Anniston, AL 36201) or sent via email to citymanager@ by Monday, May 12th at 4:00 PM. 'Interviews for eligible applicants will be conducted on Thursday, May 15th at 6:00 PM at the Anniston City Meeting Center (1615 Noble St, Anniston, AL 36201). 'The City is committed to a smooth leadership transition and to maintaining exemplary service to the residents of Anniston. 'Together, we will continue moving Anniston forward.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ciara Smith updates local civic club on Anniston's progress
Reflecting on her time in office, Ciara Smith expressed deep gratitude for the experiences and relationships she has built during her time serving on the Anniston City Council. "I was a lot younger," Smith began. "I have grown so much in the last four and a half years with the experiences that I have, the relationships that I've built, places that I've been … I know I wouldn't have had those experiences before." Smith told members of the Anniston Kiwanis Club on Jan. 23 that her journey to the City Council began in south Anniston, where she was raised by her grandmother and introduced to faith and advocacy. "I used to attend Christian leadership conferences at 17th Street Baptist Church," the Ward 3 councilwoman said. "Had no idea what anyone was talking about, but obviously, at some point, I listened in some way because here I am today." Her personal challenges included a stint in foster care, where she moved between Anniston and Oxford city schools. She noted a stark difference between the quality of education she received in both systems. "I had access to MacBooks and modern technology in Oxford, and we were reading from 10-year-old textbooks in Anniston," Smith recalled. At 16, she began working with the city of Anniston's finance department and attending school board and City Council meetings, advocating for better resources in local schools. Smith continued her studies in political science at Spelman College, where she interned for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. Her experiences in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., exposed her to national policies on issues such as veterans' affairs and immigration, helping to shape her political outlook. At age 19, Smith attended the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C., where she was able to speak before a panel of lawmakers. Since serving on the City Council, Smith has overseen progress in Anniston. She highlighted the city's budget increase from $43 million to $51 million, driven by a $4.1 billion sales tax increase. This surge in revenue has been reinvested into infrastructure and development. "We've invested over $6 million into our city's infrastructure, and 15 of those projects are focused on making neighborhoods safer," she said. Smith also emphasized the importance of attracting businesses to the area, citing the arrival of Starbucks as a symbol of the city's improving economic climate. "We're not in competition," she explained. "We're creating our own insurance for growth." The councilwoman further noted the expansion of housing projects, including the development of 11 townhouses and the redevelopment of public housing, with an eye on creating spaces that promote positive community outcomes. One of Smith's priorities has been addressing healthcare disparities in Anniston. She advocated for a new clinic and learning center in the Glen Addie area, aimed at providing better healthcare access to underserved populations. "There are so many health disparities in the city, and a lot of people don't understand that," she said. "It was important for me that people have access to take better care of themselves."
