NEWTON GROVE — As a new commissioner in Newton Grove, Cody Smith is ready to contribute to the town’s infrastructure.
With family present, Smith was recently sworn in to serve the town for four years. During a municipal election, Smith’s name was on the ballot during the unopposed race.
“I look forward to the challenge,” Smith said in regards to beginning a new term for the Newton Grove Board of Commissioners. “I’ve always been outspoken. Anybody that knows me, knows that.”
After taking his seat during the previous meeting, Smith was asked to temporarily look over water operations in the town. Smith said he worked up and down the East Coast working in the water quality and irrigation installation for agriculture. He’s currently does welding and repair service work on farm. Smith previously served on the fire department and worships at Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Now he wants to help the area he grew up in. Smith was born and raised outside of the city limits. His family had to relocate their home in another area of Newton Grove because of Interstate 40 construction. After graduating from Hobbton High School in 1976, Smith attended North Carolina State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture.
As a current resident, he enjoys the small town spirit that Newton Grove provides. While talking about his hometown, Smith said he also likes to waive at his fellow residents.
“It’s a friendly, happy atmosphere to live in and to raise a family,” Smith said.
He’s married to Natalie and together they have one daughter, Chandler.
Providing service to Newton Grove residents runs in his family. Smith’s father Elasta Smith was one of the founding members of the Newton Grove Fire Department and also served as a auxiliary police officer and principal.
“He was a go-getter back in the day,” Smith said.
In the near future, he plans to go to work by making sure everything is up to standard and learning about the standard operating procedures for the water department. He looking forward to working with group as well. December’s gathering with his new colleagues was his first meeting.”I have a lot to learn and I plan to grow with the job,” Smith said.
In addition to Smith, incumbent Alan Herring was sworn in and was selected to serve as mayor pro tem. Former Commissioner Laura Wheeler did not seek reelection, stating relocation as the reason. Gerald Darden returned to serve as mayor after defeating Stephen Jackson by a few votes. The meeting was the last meeting for the previous Mayor Barbara Burch, who announced that she was not seeking reelection earlier during the year. December’s gathering with his new colleagues was his first meeting.