Gerald Smith Like father, like son. At least, that's how it is in the Smith house. After years of friendly debate, Gerald Smith and his son inspired each other to turn their opinions into action.

As a result, Eric Smith, 18, is running for Simi Valley Unified School District's board of education. And his father, 48year-old Gerald, has entered the race for City Council, aiming to take one of two seats up for grabs in November's election.

"Being an election year, there's a lot of issues, and (we decided) instead of just debating each other, why don't we step up and do something about it?" said Gerald Smith. He and his wife, Debby, also have a 20year-old son, Ryan.

Since filing his candidate paperwork last month, Smith has been brushing up on the issues facing the city, reading City Council agendas and watching meetings online.

"I used to watch them when they were on TV. My family would always get mad at me because they really are not the most exciting things in the world," he said with a laugh. "But being part of the city sounds very exciting to me. It's something I'd like to do."

Something he'd particularly like to do if elected is to entice more businesses—including manufacturing jobs—to relocate to Simi so that young and old can work where they live. Smith said having more local jobs would help the city grow from within while also taking cars off the freeway.

He added that he'd like to see businesses, schools and city officials working together to create more opportunities for young people.

"Not all the young adults coming out of high school desire to go to college, and there's not a lot for them once they get out," Smith said. "I would like to see more businesses come to this area . . . hire the youth. That's the future of those businesses; that's the future of this community."

Smith said he is passionate about giving young people an opportunity because someone gave him a shot when he was fresh out of school.

"I didn't really have experience. College wasn't for me, but someone gave me an opportunity, and I made the most of it," said Smith, who works as a manufacturer of medical devices. "It's amazing what people can do when they're given a chance."

While some want to limit growth in the city, Smith said not all growth is bad. He's for the General Plan update's proposed mixeduses and new transit station on the west end of Los Angeles Avenue—which would provide, and increase access to, additional jobs and housing.

"We need to look to the future, and that is the future, where you could live and have everything you need close by," he said.

Still, Smith said, it's important for people living in neighborhoods like Kadota-Fig to get involved in the process.

"I think the people in that area should have a bigger say on what's done than someone on the City Council or someone who doesn't live in that area."

The Royal High graduate, who has lived in Simi for much of his life, said he plans to run a simple door-to-door campaign.

"I'm just going to try to talk to as many people as I can and, if nothing else, my views are going to be heard," he said. "I'm not conceding anything, but I think this city will be a better place because I ran."