An experienced voice in city leadership…
My name is Kerry Smith and I would like to continue to be your voice as the Mayor of Gearhart.
I have lived in Gearhart for 39 years. It is a special place that my wife, Susan Edy, and I are proud to call home.
I am semi-retired from a background in construction. I have owned a small business, primarily doing home remodels around town for the last 35 years.
I enjoy the challenges of serving as your current mayor and I would like to continue to give back to my community.
Kerry Smith 101
Though I am not a man of many words, I have strong core values and I realize it is my job to represent my constituents, not myself. I have attended countless meetings, working hard to create solutions for the Gearhart we all want to protect. I am not about creating chaos, conflict and confusion by making false accusations. Having lived in Gearhart for 39 years, I am proud to share my platform because it was forged by my character, created by ten years of hard work, and by listening to our citizens.
- Honesty. Above all, this is the most important to me. A mayor’s job is to be forthright, direct, and transparent. It requires integrity and reliability.
- Solutions. I was instrumental in the creation of Ordinance 901 which was designed to regulate the use of vacation rental dwellings and the implementation of Ordinance 910 which allows a property owner, with a permit, to remove scotch broom and other invasive species in the Beaches and Active Dunes.
- Collaboration. I understand protecting Gearhart is imperative. It takes countless hours and the willingness to involve all those who wish to be heard.
- Knowledge. It is my job to understand, interpret, and be familiar with Gearhart’s Comprehensive Plan, the guiding light of Gearhart, and its ordinances. They were created to PROTECT the Gearhart we love.
- Commitment. Yes, Gearhart will continue to face new challenges. I would like to work with YOU to solve the issues that we will be facing in the coming 4 years.
- Misinformation. Gearhart, as in most of the world is plagued by misformation. Before assuming something you hear is the truth, I would like to suggest you go to the individual who is on the receiving end. As in the children’s game of telephone tag, messages can become deeply misconstrued as they are passed from one person to another.
Thank you.
Kerry Smith
Gearhart City Mayor
Accomplishments
Serving the City of Gearhart as City Councilor and Mayor
2014 – 2024
- Year Round Resident of Gearhart 1985 – Present
- Helped to craft a new Parks Master Plan
- Supported the planning of a new Transportation System Master Plan
- Helped to create a new Dunes Vegetation Plan
- Assisted in the creation of a Homelessness Ordinance
- Fostered a Political Sign Ordinance
- Supported the implementation of a Short Term Rental Ordinance which was the first of its kind in the State of Oregon
- Collaborated with the cities of Seaside and Warrenton to create a water agreement plan (IGA) to be used in an emergency
- Participated in numerous county meetings and state-wide workshops.
- During my time serving as Mayor, the City of Gearhart has hired a new Chief of Police, a third police officer and a new Division Fire Chief
- Distributed tens of thousands of dollars in COVID relief funds directly to Gearhart small businesses
- Celebrated a positive 4th of July which introduced our new playground equipment to the city
- Strived to foster a positive political climate with an atmosphere of respectful communication
- Initiated expanded water rights application with the State of Oregon for water independence
- Promoted “If I Were Mayor” contest for 4th graders and had a ton of fun
Currently, I am in the process of laboring to create a plan to help the people of Gearhart come together to support a bond which will give our community a new Public Safety Building for our police and firefighters.
I believe in the spirit of compromise and want what is best for our City. I take my appointment as your Mayor seriously. I believe it is important to follow our Comprehensive Plan and our city ordinances. With your support, I look forward to continuing to work together and preserving the quality of life we all appreciate in our unique town.