Ask Candace Smith about the importance of community, and she’ll give you a quick but eloquent answer.

“In the hustle and bustle of today’s technologically advanced society, it is easy to get isolated in our own lives,” she said.  “But when you reach into your community and become a part of something bigger than yourself, it is a humbling experience. It not only helps you to grow in a positive way, but it can help others as well.”

Smith began serving as clerk for the City of Riverside two months ago, a position that gives her more of a connection her community than many may have. 

“Riverside is the type of community where everyone knows everyone,” she said.  “You know your neighbors.  For instance, if you don’t know the answer to something, you usually know somebody you can call who does know.  I love it that Riverside has such a small town feel and a great sense of community where everyone comes together, and we’re definitely blessed with a city council that works well together.”

A graduate of Pell City High School and Jacksonville State University who loves Auburn football, Six Flags, and Mountain Dew, Smith explained her role as city clerk, identified the best part of motherhood, and why she’d like to have a conversation with Michelle Obama.

What does a city clerk do?  “That depends on the size of the city.  Here, the city clerk is responsible for HR, accounting, payroll, keeping records, and pretty much anything else the city council needs.   The job has a lot of different aspects.”

Loving what she does:  “I do love it.  I love a challenge, and I love working with people.  It’s always interesting.  There’s usually always something new to look into or research.”

How she describes herself:  “Outgoing, easygoing, and once you get to know me, I do have a sense of humor.”

What makes her laugh:  “Just about anything.  Good, clean fun, and my children, definitely.”

The best part of being a mom:  “Watching them grow and learn new things.”

About her church:  “We attend Sedden Baptist Church, and it’s like a family there.  Someone is always looking out for you, thinking about you, and praying for you.  There’s definitely a passion there for growing the Kingdom.”

The best piece of advice she ever received:  “Probably the Golden Rule.  Sometimes we take ourselves out of the picture.  When we put ourselves back in it, we often realize, ‘I wouldn’t want to be treated that way.’  Everybody has things that they’re going through, and we should all try to remember that.”

If she were stranded on a desert island with one book, one meal, and one CD:  “The book would be The Bible.  If you’re in such a predicament, that’s your only hope.  The meal would be Mexican food.  That’s my favorite, especially white cheese dip and chips.  The music would be a compilation of country hits.”

Candace Smith style:  “Trendy yet classic.  Not something that goes out of style quickly.”

The person she most admires:  “My mother.  She is one of the strongest people I know.”

Her biggest fear:  “Public speaking, but I am slowly conquering it.”

Something an acquaintance might be surprised to know about her:  “I secretly love severe weather and listening to the police/fire scanner.”

If she could have a conversation with any historical figure or celebrity, it would be: “Michelle Obama, so I can try to persuade her to reconsider the strict school lunch guidelines since my kids won’t eat at school.”

The food she hopes to never eat again:  “Spam.”