George A. Smith (November 26, 1844 – August 1, 1916) was a pioneer resident of Los Angeles, California, a member of its City Council and an unsuccessful candidate for mayor, as well as a Nevada mining speculator.

[1] Smith began working as a clerk in a general store near his home in Canada, rising to the position of manager, then going into partnership with his brother.

[2] After arriving in Los Angeles, Smith began clerking in a small dry-goods store on North Main Street, A year later he bought a 160-acre (65 ha) ranch in Vernon, California, where he planted orange trees.

[1] While on the council he was instrumental in securing the passage of an ordinance requiring applicants for a saloon license to get the consent of nearby property owners.

[5] He was opposed to the idea of civil service in municipal government, telling a reporter that Men won't work as hard when they know their jobs are secure as when they are likely to be discharged ... Oh, I know that the applicants have to pass some sort of examination, but that ... only proves they are best in that examination ... Men don't do a good day's work under civil service.