Clerk retires, accepts new post

Lisa Smathers has seen a lot of legislation cross her desk.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Lisa Smathers, who has served as clerk of city council for 28 years, is leaving the job the first of the year -- but she isn't going far.
Treasurer-elect Bob Swauger has chosen Smathers as his income tax director.
Swauger was unchallenged in the November general election, having defeated Robert Leonard on the Democratic primary ballot. Incumbent Richard Bullock had decided not to seek re-election.
"I've seen a lot of legislation," Smathers said as she has reflected on nearly three decades as not only council clerk, but park secretary at the same time.
She called special attention to some of the legislation in which she has been involved: from banning lions within the city limits because one was being kept in the 4th Ward, to eliminating certain colors homeowners might want to paint their houses.
Women on council
Smathers has worked with five mayors and the city's first councilwoman. There have been three women on council during her tenure.
Asked if more women should serve in the legislative branch, Smathers firmly responded, "Absolutely."
"Women bring a different perspective to the job. They look at things differently," Smathers said, noting more women should run for all public offices.
She has found the clerk's job interesting. She not only assures legislation is distributed and minutes of council meetings maintained, but also researches legislation for council members and department heads.
City legislation is maintained back to 1914.
The income tax director's job opened up in the fall with the retirement of Janet Rizer.
Although Smathers had worked on Swauger's campaign, Swauger said it was actually Smathers' experience and knowledge of overall operations of city government that led to her appointment.
"I'm up to the challenge," Smathers said. "I'm looking forward to a new career path."
Council President Robert Marino and Councilman Stephen Papalas, D-at large, have agreed to search for a new clerk.
Possible replacement
The name of Sherry Rose, Law Director J. Terrence Dull's secretary, has surfaced as a possible replacement for Smathers. She has filled in for Smathers.
If Rose is appointed to the clerk's job, "I'll be leaving it in very capable hands," Smathers said.
Smathers will receive a pay raise, from $34,000 as clerk to $44,000 as income tax director.
Her daughter, Nicole, is a senior psychology major at The Ohio State University, where she will also study for her master's degree.
"That's where all my money goes," Smathers said of her daughter's education. Her husband, David Smathers, is a lieutenant on the city police department.
yovich@vindy.com