Editor, The Smithfield Times:

First, I’d like to thank you for the refreshing approach of using a single question each week for discussion by the Town Council candidates. The approach has made comparisons of the candidates and their views much easier than past elections.

It’s important that we vote for leaders with principles that mesh with our own, so I’ll be voting for Jim Collins in November.

I believe that since January, when Jim was appointed to serve an interim term on the Town Council, he has shown that he is capable of listening to both sides of an issue, asking the hard questions related to an issue, then making decisions based on facts surrounding the issue. I have confidence that Jim is committed to maintaining the small-town character of Smithfield while thoughtfully focused on responsible growth that is inevitable, in both Smithfield and Isle of Wight County.

I am convinced that Jim’s personal growth as an active-duty military officer, as a small-business owner, as a member of Isle of Wight’s Economic Development Authority and as a property owner, both in the Smithfield Historic District and in the Cypress Creek neighborhood, has provided him a clear vision of how all of Smithfield should be represented. I have witnessed multiple instances that Jim understands the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect and that he can empathize with those of differing opinions while making choices for the benefit of all. Please join me in voting for Jim Collins for Town Council.

 

David Holland

Smithfield