Randolph Community College honored a pair of city leaders during last week’s mayor’s report on campus. Mayor David Smith and former city manager John Ogburn were recognized with gifts. Left to right are RCC board of trustees vice chair James Goudy, RCC president Shah Ardalan, Smith, Ogburn and RCC board chair Reynolds Lisk. (Randolph Community College photo)
ASHEBORO — David Smith said he was pleased with how his presentation to the community was received last week.
The soon-to-be-retiring mayor of Asheboro gave a report to citizens as his time as elected official has entered its final year.
“I just highlighted what we’ve been able to do,” Smith said.
The presentation focused on numerous special projects. There were 50-some slides displayed on the screen as part of the message.
For Smith, there’s certain pride in many aspects of what has taken place during the past few decades. Perhaps at the top of the list is the financial responsibility.
“Everything I showed you is paid for,” he said.
Randolph Community College extended appreciation for Smith and recently retired city manager John Ogburn for their impact on the community. The duo was presented gifts on behalf of RCC.
“It is both my honor and privilege to recognize two extraordinary and dedicated leaders and to celebrate their accomplishments that have made Asheboro a thriving city and a wonderful place to live, work, and learn,” said Shah Ardalan, RCC’s president.
Smith announced last year that he won’t seek another term when the mayor’s position is on the ballot in 2025. Ogburn stepped down earlier this year after nearly a quarter-century as city manager.
Ardalan said the passionate leadership from the duo has created a legacy and a standard for future city leaders.
Smith’s report, which served as a history lesson, was given at RCC’s JB and Claire Davis Corporate Training Center, with a gathering of business leaders, elected officials and community members.
His address included strong praise for Ogburn’s role in lifting the city even as elected officials changed around him.
“We had some good teams,” Smith said, pointing out there were seven different city council bodies during his time in city government.
Smith has been part of city hall for 28 years as a council member or mayor. He cited a 2008 report in Forbes magazine that listed Asheboro as the fourth-fastest dying city in the United States.
“We spent the next years making sure that’s not the case,” he said.
By 2016, Asheboro was one of 10 cities selected for an All-America City Award.
“And we haven’t stopped since,” Smith said.
Smith referred to early successes in the rebound as the development of Bicentennial Park and the Sunset Avenue streetscape. There’s also the forming of a downtown farmers’ market and refurbished parking.
More recently, there have been the major renovations of McCrary Park and the opening of the Zoo City Sportsplex.
Yet other less visible or glamourous upgrades are of particular importance to Smith. He referred to the certification of the fire department as a rescue operation as one of those.
Another was altering the water and sewage delivery, particularly in the northern part of the city from what he called “kind of a dead-end system.” He said that might be as important as anything that has been achieved in recent decades.
New city manager Donald Duncan Jr., who began his job in March, was introduced to last week’s gathering.
Smith also paid tribute to the role that RCC has had in training future workers and providing resources to the community as a whole. RCC officials want to be instrumental in the city’s future.
“We are deeply honored that the City of Asheboro chose RCC to hold this important and meaningful event,” Ardalan said. “RCC is your community college, and we take pride in our strong partnership with the city as we work together to serve as an engine of growth and prosperity for Asheboro and its businesses.”
