Editor, The Smithfield Times:

If you didn’t have a chance to attend or watch the livestream of the Smithfield Town Council Candidate Forum on Oct. 10, I encourage you to make a point to watch it (on the Town of Smithfield Facebook page).   

One of the many things that stood out to me is the extraordinary contradiction in Raynard Gibbs’ responses to questions at the forum compared to Mr. Gibbs’ actual voting record while on the Planning Commission.  

Mr. Gibbs referenced his interest in maintaining the “small-town charm” multiple times during the forum and noted that he does not support big development. Mr. Gibbs was on the Planning Commission when the Mallory Scott development (812 homes on Battery Park) and when the Grange development (304 units initially) came to the town Planning Commission.  

Approval for Mallory Scott required a rezoning request, an amendment to the town’s comprehensive plan, three special use permits and two waivers from the zoning ordinance.     The Grange required amendments to the town’s zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan and six special use permits. One of the waivers allows 23.6 units per acre (vs. the 12 per acre allowed in current zoning) for multifamily homes. Mr. Gibbs voted yes to all requested waivers and special use permits and asked no significant questions or requests of the developers.  

That is in complete contradiction with his words the night of the candidate forum, and actions speak louder than words. Mr. Gibbs spoke strongly of his interest in “small-town charm,” but his actions on the Planning Commission, when he had opportunities to protect that charm, ran contrary to his commitments this past Thursday. 

Additionally, Mr. Gibbs seemed particularly interested in ensuring particular buzz words were incorporated into his responses: transparency, ethics, fiscal responsibility. While his responses to questions posed incorporated these words, Mr. Gibbs rarely, if ever, actually answered the question asked.   

You have a choice on Nov. 5. Vote for a change. Vote for Mary Ellen Bebermeyer, Darren Cutler, Mike Smith and Bill Harris.  

 

Renee Bevan

Smithfield