In Sheffield Village, Monday is 'Mayor Jim Smith Day'

“Look to your future and ask yourself, ‘What do you want your town to look like 10 or 15 years from now?’”

These were the words of Sheffield Village Mayor John Hunter, honoring neighboring Avon Mayor Jim Smith, at the March 20 Mayors Lunch at Tom's Country Place in Avon.

Hunter read a proclamation to a sold-out crowd at the luncheon, which featured state-of-the-city addresses from mayors in Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Lake and Village before declaring March 25 as "Mayor Jim Smith Day" in the Village.

Hunter said Smith “graciously offered” his friendship when Hunter became mayor in 2008 and offered many long-term insights “that will stay with me.”

“Maintain your hometown dreams, maintain the atmosphere of a small village,” was Smith’s message to Hunter, the Sheffield Village mayor said.

Hunter said Smith urged him to build a town that residents would want to come back to and to provide the best quality of life possible through recreation, parks, trails, fitness and entertainment.

“Whereas, you have an incredible ability to prove things through joint efforts throughout Lorain County…whereas you’ve always been a forward thinker, shared your many creative ideas of funding…and increasing revenue in the Village and other communities...” Hunter read from the proclamation.

Hunter said Smith’s “education, wisdom, collaboration as a guide to me, you’ve helped Sheffield Village to be a better place to work and live.”

Hunter then proclaimed March 25 as “Mayor Jim Smith Day” in Sheffield Village.

Smith, who has said he is retiring and will not seek another term as mayor, was feted by the other mayors at the luncheon, choking up at one point.

He first took office in 1994.

Watch Hunter read Smith's proclamation.