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Published on January 21, 2025
Antioch City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith Resigns, Interim Successor Appointed Amid Council TensionsSource: City of Oakland

Antioch City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith stepped down from his position last Friday after a tenure of five and a half years. According to an official statement from the City of Antioch, Derek Cole of Cole Huber LLP will take over as the Interim City Attorney while searching for a permanent replacement. The Antioch City Council appreciated Smith's dedication and wished him well in future endeavors.

This resignation coincided with a special city council meeting on the same day, where discussions behind closed doors concerned a "public employee performance discipline or dismissal or release," according to The Mercury News. A small but vocal contingent of residents and activists were present at the meeting, some of whom brought signs, one reading “Don the con, our racism is showing,” presumably commenting on city council member Donald P. Freitas's role in the recent events surrounding Smith.

Following rumors of Smith's impending dismissal, Freitas confirmed to The Mercury News that the meeting was focused on Smith's position. After speaking with Smith post-November elections, Freitas felt a new city attorney should be appointed "for the newly elected city council to move forward." In a December 10, 2024, council meeting, Freitas was on record requesting Smith's termination as part of his vision for a cohesive city leadership team.