Shane Smith, who represents District 4 on the Merced City Council, launched his reelection campaign for a second term on Tuesday night in front of a large crowd of supporters in the backyard of the wonderful home of Kenra and Don Bragonier.
The incumbent spoke in particular about his work to improve public safety in Merced, transparency and accountability, and safe housing.
“We work hard, and try to make good decisions, and partner with our police officers, our firefighters,” Smith told the audience about his time on the dais. “We have fully funded our police and fire departments for the first time in probably a generation, and we have to work harder to properly equip our police officers and firefighters. And we have to stay focused on Station 56 in the northeast Merced, in District 6. Why is someone from District 4 talking about that? Because the existence of that station will benefit the response time for everybody in the city. Crime is down. Traffic safety is up. And the chances are that when a firefighter comes to your house, he or she is also an EMT. That’s what we do as a community to support public safety. We have to keep our eye on that and continue to support our police officers and firefighters. … I am honored to have been endorsed again by the Merced City Firefighters Association and the Merced Police Officers Association.”
A wide variety of local dignitaries, office holders and political candidates rubbed elbows during the event. Merced City Councilman Mike Harris gave the introduction speech for his colleague.
“This is absolutely a great crowd, and it just goes to show how Shane is respected and admired,” Harris said. “What does it take to be a successful council member? Shane is the epitome of what it takes. He’s dedicated. He studies all his material, and he votes for the right reasons. If somebody were to look at his voting record, without knowing — Is he an R? Or a D? Is he an L? … You never know. Because he votes on the issues, and he votes on what’s best for Merced, and what’s best for the people.”
Currently there is one challenger listed in the filing information for the District 4 race on the Merced County Elections website. Lee Robert Boese, Jr. was added to the list on Thursday, July 30. The deadline for candidates to file for the race is Aug. 7.