Editor, The Smithfield Times: 

I have appreciated the opportunity to read candidate responses in The Smithfield Times to critical questions associated with town governance and leadership, from the six candidates running for Smithfield Town Council, these last few weeks.  

Four of the candidates — Mary Ellen Bebermeyer, Darren Cutler, Bill Harris and Mike Smith — seem to have a keen awareness of citizen concerns on the issues and topics identified and specific, understandable, informed responses on solutions and their priorities. 

The responses of the two candidates who were appointed to interim terms, Jim Collins and Ray Gibbs, suggest that they feel the current Town Council is doing a fine job as is and no significant change is needed. Collins went as far to write in one of his responses about “keyboard warriors” (aka citizens) unjustifiably identifying issues with transparency. This is from a candidate who is looking for those citizen votes. Can you imagine how an elected Councilman Collins or Gibbs would respond to those who ask for more information from elected officials?   

In the upcoming Town Council elections, given the lack of transparency in council processes and votes, and disinterest in citizen input, it is crucial that we prioritize candidates who demonstrate not only integrity in governance but also a deep understanding of the issues affecting our community. 

As citizens, Mary Ellen Bebermeyer, Bill Harris and Darren Cutler have made the time to study significant projects and issues coming before the Town Council and suggest meaningful solutions and alternatives. Mike Smith notes that one of his priorities is listening to citizens; that is a value that Mike truly lives as a current member of Town Council. 

Councilman Smith recently made a motion for no tax dollar subsidies to be paid toward for-profit development. He did this because he listens and understands the concerns that citizens have brought to his attention. Why would we need to pay for developers to build in the town when we already have over 1,400 residential units approved and not yet built — with the vast majority of those units approved in the last three years.   

Choosing candidates Mary Ellen Bebermeyer, Bill Harris, Darren Cutler and Mike Smith means opting for a future where decisions are made with clarity and accountability. It means endorsing leaders who will engage with the community, listen and work collaboratively to find innovative solutions.

 

Leah Walker

Smithfield