Staff report

Anthony J. Smith has announced his candidacy for Selma City Council Ward 2.

No newcomer to city politics, Smith, 40, is a teacher at the Phoenix School. He is a former Selma High School football coach and has worked in the school system for many years. He received the 2001 Teacher of the Year award.

“I am entering this race once again because I believe that I will bring unity and jobs into the city of Selma and to uplift its image,” Smith said.

Smith graduated from Selma High School in 1987. He finished at Concordia College and is pursuing a master’s in education administration.

Smith also works at Advance Auto Parts store in Selma as a part-time employee, a post he has held for 12 years.

Key to Smith’s campaign: more jobs in Selma, more tourists in the city, enhanced public safety and a facelift for city buildings downtown.

“If I am elected, I will conduct myself in the upmost professionally and refrain myself, avoid negative groups, cliques and organizations that will cause a division among people,” he said. “I was told by my grandmother as a child that a divided house cannot stand, and if you throw stones, make sure you are not living in a glass house.”

Smith is married to Coretta Cleveland-Smith.