Editor, The Smithfield Times:

As you may know, I came to Smithfield 42 years ago as a town police officer with the desire to make this community a safe place for citizens to live and recreate in a safe environment. 

Since that time, I have been blessed to serve as a Virginia state trooper, chief deputy of the Sheriff’s Office, and the town’s chief of police. I was Rescue Squadsman of the Year in 1987 and served from a bipartisan perspective under three governors as chief of the Virginia Marine Police and commissioner of marine resources, protecting the fisheries and waterways of the State. I explain my functions as I believe they express the trust that has been placed in me as a hometown public servant. I currently serve as your mayor.

I have never been overly aggressive in asking for a favor. However, I ask you today for your vote for two wonderful men who are running for Smithfield Town Council: Mr. Ray Gibbs and Jim Collins. Both men currently serve on the council. They are career Navy veterans. They have esteemed skill sets. 

Mr. Gibbs was named twice as Sailor of the Year. He worked his way through the ranks to retire as a lieutenant commander in logistics in the Hospital Corps. He is an assistant pastor at Sweethaven Holiness Church in Carrollton.

Lt. Commander Jim Collins is a former naval SeaBee detached with the SEALs who graduated with a civil engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

These men have impeccable qualifications and are an asset to our town.

You may have seen that there is a group of four who have decided to run on a single ticket so that, should they win, they will control the councilmanic majority. They also all live within the Historic District. I love that area of town, but I do not believe democracy was intended to have folks that live within doors of each other control the priorities of our town.

I have never asked for much, but I do believe it is in the collective best interest of the town that you vote for Jim Collins and Ray Gibbs for the Town Council. They are fine people who will do a great job. Please feel free to share my message. I thank you.

 

Steve Bowman

Mayor

Smithfield