SMYTH TO FOLLOW IN MAYOR'S FOOTSTEPS.

Byline: Teresa Jimenez Daily News Staff Writer

Cameron Smyth became sold on a life of politics after helping his father secure a seat on the City Council by a mere 16 votes.

``I was very ambivalent toward politics out of college,'' Smyth said. ``Then I worked on my dad's campaign and it was very exciting. It was addictive. From then on, I was hooked.''

Smyth, 26, officially will announce his candidacy today for one of three council seats held by his father, Mayor Clyde Smyth, who has announced he will not seek re-election, and council members Carl Boyer and Jo Anne Darcy, who have not decided whether to run again.

Cameron Smyth, a graduate of Hart High School and the University of California, Davis, has worked for state Sen. W.J. ``Pete'' Knight, R-Palmdale, since November 1994, when Knight was serving in the state Assembly.

Smyth helped on Knight's state Senate campaign, becoming the youngest campaign manager in California. He now serves as Knight's deputy chief of staff.

Unlike his father, a former superintendent for the William S. Hart Union High School District, or Knight, a record-setting pilot, Smyth said he plans to follow a different path into politics.

``I think working for Knight and growing up with my dad - I have experiences that others don't have,'' Smyth said. ``I've been fortunate to have good mentors.''

Though Smyth has not been active in city organizations, he said his work has acquainted him with all aspects of the community.

``I get involved with all groups regardless of party affiliation,'' Smyth said. ``My job takes me throughout the community.''

As for his youth, Smyth said the council can use the perspective of someone from a younger generation. After all, Smyth said, the average age of residents in the city is 33.

Smyth said his top issue will be working to ensure responsible growth, and said he doesn't think he can be tagged with a pro-growth or no-growth stance. Infrastructure, such as roads and other services, should match the expected growth for the community, he said. But, at the same time, the city should work to provide more open space, he said.

``I truly believe a balance can be met,'' Smyth said. ``I certainly support reasonable growth. We need to achieve a balance between the two positions.''