Walter Smith is a 68-year-old coach, referee, volunteer, community activist and security guard.
He also serves as a commissioner on the city’s Recreation and Parks Commission and the Planning Commission.
Smith is on the ballot as a candidate for the open District 1 seat on the Merced City Council in this year’s General Election that culminates on Nov. 5. Current District 1 City Councilman Jesse Ornelas has chosen not to seek reelection. Smith is facing one other opponent, Darin DuPont, a local attorney.
“I bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our community,” Smith says. “Having served as a city Parks and Planning commissioner, I have been actively involved in shaping the future of our city’s recreational and developmental landscapes. As a coach and referee, I have dedicated countless hours to our youth, fostering teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. My volunteer work and role as a community activist reflect my passion for advocating for the needs and concerns of our residents.
“In addition to my civic engagements, I work as a security guard, ensuring safety and peace of mind for our community members. My diverse experiences have provided me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face.”
If elected, Smith says, he will prioritize:
• Public Safety: “Ensuring our neighborhoods are safe and secure.”
• Community Development: “Promoting sustainable growth and improving our parks and recreational facilities.”
• Youth Engagement: “Supporting programs that benefit our young people and prepare them for a bright future.”
• Transparency and Accountability: “Ensuring open and honest communication between the City Council and the residents of District 1.”
Smith says he is running for City Council because he believes in the potential of the local community and he is committed to ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to thrive.
“The most pressing issues facing our district and the city include affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and economic development,” the candidate says. “Our community needs strong leadership to address these challenges and create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.”
With regard to the topic of affordable housing, Smith says he would advocate for policies that expand affordable housing options, including incentivizing developers to include low-income units in new projects and supporting non-profit housing organizations. He also supports strengthening tenant protections and providing resources for first-time homebuyers.
“By collaborating with local organizations and leveraging state and federal funding, we can make significant strides in ensuring that every resident has access to quality housing,” Smith said.
The candidate says the city needs to also prioritize infrastructure investments in historically underserved areas like south Merced.
“I propose creating a comprehensive infrastructure improvement plan that identifies and addresses the most urgent needs. This plan should include allocating a dedicated portion of the city budget for these projects and actively seeking state and federal grants. We also need to establish a community advisory board to ensure that residents have a voice in determining the priorities and monitoring the progress of these investments.”
Smith says he will work to expand funding for park maintenance and development, as well as for recreational programs that serve all age groups. This includes collaborating with local organizations to provide diverse programming and ensuring that all parks are equipped with necessary amenities and safety features.
“I also support creating a Parks and Recreation Master Plan to guide long-term investments and ensure equitable access to recreational spaces across the city,” he says.
To address speeding and pedestrian safety, Smith says he will advocate for a comprehensive traffic safety plan that includes traffic calming measures, such as speed humps and improved signage, particularly in high-risk areas.
“I also support the expansion of safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including more crosswalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian signals. Additionally, I will work with law enforcement to increase traffic enforcement in areas with high incidents of speeding and accidents.”
To create sustainable economic opportunities, Smith says will work to attract new businesses and support local entrepreneurship through small business grants and training programs.
“I also support investing in workforce development initiatives that provide residents with the skills needed for high-demand industries. By fostering a diverse and resilient local economy, we can ensure that residents have access to good-paying jobs and opportunities for upward mobility.”
In a message directly to voters, Smith says: “I am dedicated to working tirelessly for the betterment of our community. Together, we can build a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous Merced. I humbly ask for your support and your vote for City Council District 1.”