Smith sworn in as Fredericktown Ward 1 Alderman

Tiara Smith (left) is sworn in by Fredericktown Mayor Travis Parker as an appointment for Ward 1 after the previous member resigned in February. The meeting was held at the Fredericktown Police Department. Matt Morey, Democrat News

At the March 18 Fredericktown Board of Aldermen meeting, Tiara Smith was appointed by the mayor and approved as the new alderperson for Ward 1.

During the officers reports section of the meeting, Fredericktown Mayor Travis Parker announced Smith’s appointment. In February, Alderman Paul Brown resigned since he moved out of the city, leaving it open for an appointment for the mayor to appoint a nominee for the rest of his term.

The board discussed Parker’s nomination of Smith as part of the process. Alderman Rick Polete said he had not known Tiara, and had heard some information about another nominee, but Parker said he was never contacted by one.

Smith approached the podium and listed her qualifications.

Smith said she’s lived in Fredericktown for nearly 10 years, and discussed with Parker the responsibilities of the position.

“I’m a member of the community. I have a strong interest in bettering this community. And I’m a working mother. I work in finance, so as far as things in financial matters go, I’ve had experience doing that.”

Polete asked Tiara about being married to a police officer, Austin Smith, could affect her role as an alderperson.

City Attorney Mary Boner said Smith would have conflicts on certain votes, like in financial gain for her husband’s pay, parts of the budget, or if Austin was up for a promotion, for example.

Parker said the approval of a police vehicle might be another abstention, as was discussed earlier in the meeting. He said they also discussed the Code of Ethics and conflicts of interest with each other.

The city attorney affirmed that everything else would be OK to vote on.

Smith read the Oath of Office, and took her seat for the rest of the meeting:

“I, Tiara Smith, solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Missouri and the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fredericktown, and that I will faithfully demean myself in the position of Alderman Ward 1 for which I was appointed on March 18, 2026.”