Ward L. Smith
Councilmember · District 5 · first elected 2016 · current term 2024–2028 · next on the ballot 2028
154
votes on the record
88%
present
3
times voted No (2.2%)
$12,009
raised · 42 donors
0 abstentions · 0 recusals · record covers 2024-09-03 to 2026-06-16.
Official bio: Placentia website
Photo: official www.placentia.org (source).
Votes on divided items (4)
| Date | Item | Vote | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10-01 | 1.e AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TOTUM CORPORATION FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES ON CITYWIDE FIBER OPTIC DEPLOYMENT PROJECT | Yes | 2-2-1 failed | record |
| 2024-09-17 | Item 1.n - Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. O-2024-05 | No | 3-2 passed | record |
| 2024-09-03 | Orangethorpe Mixed Use Development Project - Introducing Ordinance No. 2024-05 | No | 3-2 passed | record |
| 2024-09-03 | Orangethorpe Mixed Use Development Project - Resolution No. 2024-60 with amended conditions | No | 3-2 passed | record |
Most recent votes
| Date | Item | Vote | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-16 | gal Counsel - Potential Litigation, pursuant to Government Code Section § 54956.9(d)(2): 1 Case. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | ds, and parameters for public participation during oral communications and public hearing items. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Wanke, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | l services, and the longstanding recommendation from prior committees to consider a TOT adjustment. Motion by Smith, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | range County Sanitation District (OC San) Administration Committee meeting. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | ests were received, which did not meet the threshold required to constitute a majority protest. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | nts, as developers can already use state -mandated density bonuses even without local adoption. Motion by Kirwin, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | ing amount, approximately $56,000, has been subsidized through a transfer from the General Fund. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | em. Public Hearing opened at 6:40 p.m. Public Comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 6:41 p.m. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | em. Public Hearing opened at 6:42 p.m. Public Comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 6:43 p.m. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | venue. Public Hearing opened at 6:45 p.m. Public Comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 6:48 p.m. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-06-16 | 's proposed budget amendments to staff for consideration and return with a revised balanced budget. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-19 | e recommended by Staff to be pulled, and Item 1.i was pulled by Mayor Wanke for further discussion. Motion by Smith, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-19 | taff's recommendation to change the proposed public hearing date from June 2, 2026, to June 16, 2026. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Smith and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-19 | Pro Tem Yamaguchi were appointed to an Ad Hoc Committee to review and revise the policy with Staff. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Kirwin and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-19 | from businesses or Republic, and whether the updated contract would align with the amended code. Motion byYamaguchi, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-19 | ential boundary changes, land use considerations, and whether to continue or discontinue the update. Motion byWanke, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-05-05 | rticipate in public tours before the facility permanently closed to the public. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion by Smith, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | ing anniversary. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Smith pulled Items i.g and 1.h, for discussion. Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | nfirm whether the current plans were final. He expressed a desire to avoid additional revisions. Motion by Smith, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | m. Public Hearing opened at 7:04 p.m. Public Comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 7:04 p.m. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | m. Public Hearing opened at 7:06 p.m. Public Comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 7:06 p.m. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | item. Public Hearing opened at 7:07 p.m. Public Comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 7:07 p.m. Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | tement, and return the revised agreement to the City Council on a future Consent Calendar item. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | m. Public Hearing opened at 7:41 p.m. Public Comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 7:45 p.m. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | nforcement, and Staff confirmed it would allow officers to address complaints more effectively. Motion by Hummer, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-04-21 | rement. Staff confirmed current permit counts and the operational impacts of the proposed changes. Motion by Kirwin, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-27 | ECONVENED in Open Session at 10:35 a.m. CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Bettenhausen reported a motion by Wanke, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | ony's Deli. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: Mayor Wanke pulled Item 1.k, to allow separate votes on each event. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | deration of the Influence Church item due to a prior professional relationship. Motion by Councilmember Kirwin, seconded by Mayor Wanke, and | Yes | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | h the Orange County Law Enforcement Emerald Society, a benefactor of the event. Motion by Councilmember Kirwin, seconded by Mayor Wanke, and | Yes | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | item. Public Hearing opened at 7:49 p.m. Public Comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 7:51 p.m. Motion by Kirwin, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | e item. Public Hearing opened at 7:52 p.m. Public Comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 7:54 p.m. Motion by Smith, seconded by Wanke, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | esaidos Pablo Salcedo Veterans Advisory Committee Non -expiring terms Pablo Salcedo Humberto Macias Motion by Wanke, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-03-17 | FA Minutes March 17, 2026 Page 7 of 8 Docusign Envelope ID: E89CF9B0-A813-85DA-8103-7B767C19096A Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Wanke, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | the rehabilitation project referenced by John Beltran. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.h): Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | g left open at 7:43 p.m. and continued to the regular meeting of the City Council on March 3, 2026. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-02-03 | chi absent) Deputy Director of Administrative Services Jeannette Ortega gave a verbal presentation. Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2026-01-13 | luding Orange County is in a strong water position. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.e): Motion by Smith, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2026-01-13 | ernments —Annual General Assembly Voting Delegates Smith/ Wanke (1st Alt.)/ Yamaguchi(2"d Alt.) Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-16 | gh 1.e): Placentia City Council/Successor Agency/ICDA/PPFA Minutes December 16, 2025 Page 3 of 5 Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-16 | guchi nominated Mayor Pro Tem Wanke. There were no further nominations. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, to close nominations. Motion | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-16 | Wanke nominated Councilmember Yamaguchi. There were no further nominations. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Smith, to close nominations. Motion | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | pulled Item 1.b, and removed the December 17, 2024, City Council Meeting minutes from approval. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, and | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | uchi pulled Item 1.b, and removed the December 17, 2024, City Council Meeting minutes from approval. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | motion to approve Resolution No. R-2025-71. Mayor Kirwin closed the Public Hearing at 8:04 p.m. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Kirwin, and | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-12-02 | priate signage, and return with a six-month progress report on usage, revenue, and enforcement. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Hummer, and | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-18 | y. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.h): Mayor Pro Tem Wanke pulled Item 1.g, to vote no. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, and | Absent | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-18 | ice received no public comment for the item. Mayor Kirwin closed the Public Hearing at 7:57 p.m. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Absent | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | f 7 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.f): Mayor Pro Tem Wanke pulled Item 1.e. to vote no. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi and | Absent | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | 7:30 p.m. Placentia City Council/Successor Agency/ICDA/PPFA Minutes November 4, 2025 Page 6 of 7 Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Absent | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | the estimated savings percentage, and the continuity of power service should OCPA cease operations. Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Absent | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-11-04 | e requirements. A discussion ensued and direction was given to Staff to return with a Resolution. Motion by Smith, seconded by Yamaguchi and | Absent | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-21 | es and urged residents to prevent mosquito breeding. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.h): Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith and | Absent | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-07 | arking, staff, and recommended the frosted lemonade. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.h): Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-07 | osing the sewer rate increase were received. Mayor Kirwin closed the Public Hearing at 7:53 p.m. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-07 | ort-term rental Ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem Wanke and Councilmember Hummer were appointed to serve. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-07 | hi, seconded by Smith, and carried a 5-0 vote, to approve the formation of the Ad Hoc Committee. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Wanke, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-10-07 | uded. He recommended revisiting the board's composition to allow broader resident participation. A motion by Kirwin, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-16 | Additional details are available on the City’s website. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.f): Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer and | Absent | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-16 | ent. He asked residents to be patient as the City Council works collaboratively to refine the Plan. Motion by Hummer, seconded by Smith, and | Absent | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-16 | e as the alternate to represent the City at the League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference. Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Absent | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-02 | hrough 1.l): Councilmember Yamaguchi and Mayor Pro Tem Wanke pulled Item 1.i, for clarification. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Wanke, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-02 | arification, emphasizing that the City will not take private property and give it to developers. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-09-02 | orcement. A discussion ensued regarding short-term rentals, and direction was provided to Staff. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-15 | 1.j): Councilmember Yamaguchi pulled Item 1.i and recused himself due to a conflict of interest. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Wanke, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-15 | trator to execute the agreement once all final details were confirmed and legal review was complete. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-15 | tinued exploration of potentially transferring sewer operations to a specialized water district. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-15 | all necessary documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney. (Approved 5-0, as recommended) Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-01 | ers for participation in the Centennial video project. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.d): Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-01 | item. Public Hearing opened at 7:58 p.m. Public comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 8:02 p.m. Motion by Kirwin, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-01 | item. Public Hearing opened at 8:02 p.m. Public comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 8:08 p.m. Motion by Kirwin, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-07-01 | ropriate CEQA document, such as a Mitigated Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report. Motion by Hummer, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-17 | lmember Smith’s volunteer efforts during the event. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.p): Motion by Smith, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-17 | n with options to address the deficit, including potential updates to the assessment structure. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-17 | m. Public Hearing opened at 7:30 p.m. Public comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 7:33 p.m. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-17 | s; Staff clarified the pilot program could be adjusted or end early at the Council's direction. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Kirwin, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-03 | ovided a verbal report on Item 1.m, regarding the salary and benefits of the City Administrator. Motion by Smith, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-03 | structural General Fund balance (target up to $1.1 million) without reliance on one-time funds. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-06-03 | e item. Public Hearing opened at 8:43 p.m. Public comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 8:53 p.m. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-05-20 | n Scholarship Award. CLOSED SESSION REPORT: City Attorney/Authority Counsel Bettenhausen reported a motion by Kirwin, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-05-20 | Police and Fire services will continue to operate. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.f): Motion by Smith, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-05-06 | or Agency/ICDA/PPFA Minutes May 6, 2025 Page 4 of 7 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.h): Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-05-06 | em. Public Hearing opened at 7:59 p.m. Public comments: None. Public Hearing closed at 8:03 p.m. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-05-06 | d return to City Council with construction bids and a financing plan when funds were available. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 4-0 passed | record |
| 2025-05-06 | eadiness if off -site fueling proved unworkable. Councilmember Smith left the room at 9:36 p.m. Motion by Hummer, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-15 | vited those interested in OC San tours to contact him. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.h): Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-15 | mpt all City events without individual waivers, with authority resting with the City Administrator. Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-15 | ts, without changing the fee or its technology-only restriction. Public Hearing closed at 8:16 p.m. Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-15 | b Callanan from Clifton Laron Allen (CLA) Auditors, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on the item. Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 3-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-15 | to accommodate the Mayor Kirwin and Councilmember Yamaguchi participating from different time zones. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-15 | gotiations to extend the Lynch EMS contract were unsuccessful due to cost and flexibility concerns. Motion by Smith, seconded by Hummer, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-04-01 | . CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.j): Councilmember Hummer pulled Item 1.i, for a no vote. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-03-18 | age with youth and looked forward to future visits. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.d): Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-03-18 | ice received no public comment for the item. Mayor Kirwin closed the Public Hearing at 7:54 p.m. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-18 | or the early and transparent budget review process. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.c): Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-18 | ice received no public comment for the item. Mayor Kirwin closed the Public Hearing at 7:56 p.m. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-18 | sentation on the item. A discussion ensued about the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Report. Motion by Smith, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-18 | discussion ensued about the allocation of Measure U funds and prioritization of street projects. Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-04 | ttorney/Authority Counsel Bettenhausen requested Item 1.f be pulled and removed from the agenda. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
| 2025-02-04 | the proposed ordinance changes and provided Staff with direction regarding the amended sections. Motion by Yamaguchi, seconded by Smith, and | Yes | 5-0 passed | record |
† Recorded in the minutes as a unanimous vote with attendance listed; individual positions follow from the unanimous result. All other rows are explicit roll calls from the official record.
Campaign funding (2024 cycle)
Where the money comes from
Council Brief's grouping of the employer/occupation each donor self-reports on FPPC Form 460 — a categorization of those self-reported fields, not an official designation and not a claim about influence. Bar length is contribution total.
Largest contributors
| Contributor | Employer / occupation (as reported) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| California Real Estate PAC (CREPAC) | $3,000 | |
| Ward Smith | Retired | $1,000 |
| Apartment Assn of Orange County PAC | $1,000 | |
| Norma Lee Morris | Retired | $500 |
| James B. Clarke | J. B. Clarke Consulting | $300 |
| Brittania Yriarte | Savage Suiting | $300 |
| Griffin Pubs, Inc. | $300 | |
| Turgut Cakiraga | Retired | $300 |
| Michael Modica | County of Los Angeles | $300 |
| David Hadley | LAPD | $250 |
| Marilyn Anderson | Retired | $250 |
| John Stanton | Law Office of John J. Stanton | $250 |
| Fairley & Associates, Inc. dba Brian's Beer & Billards | $250 | |
| MHET PAC | $250 | |
| Law Office of Keith E. Dolnick | $200 |
Itemized contributions of $100+ to this official's controlled campaign committee, as disclosed on FPPC Form 460 under California's Political Reform Act. Official filing. We publish the funding record as public fact and draw no inference about any vote.
Economic interests (Form 700, 2025)
Filed a Statement of Economic Interests reporting no disclosable interests for this period.
Personal financial interests as this official disclosed them on their FPPC Form 700 under California's Political Reform Act — public record. Real property is shown by city only (never street address). We publish the disclosure; we draw no conclusions. Statement of Economic Interests.
Compiled from official adopted minutes and meeting records; every line links to its source document. This is a neutral public record — Council Brief does not rate or endorse officials.