Editor, The Smithfield Times:

I am writing this letter in support of Mrs. Mary Ellen Bebermeyer and the other Citizens for Responsible Leadership (CRL) candidates for Smithfield Town Council. 

As a former resident of Isle of Wight County, library assistant and volunteer at the Smithfield Public Library, I had the unique opportunity to meet and get to know Mary Ellen and her amazing family during their frequent visits and participation in library events. I also had the pleasure of working with her daughter Erin, who was a library assistant there as well.

During my countless interactions with library patrons and Smithfield citizens, I learned much about the town’s history, local government and many of the needs and issues important to them. I was not at all surprised to find an overwhelming number of them love Smithfield for its closeness of community, safety and small-town charm. I too believe it is these very special qualities and more that bring people to shop, work, tour, and make their homes there. 

I listened to citizens’ concerns about growth, traffic, schools, government transparency, etc., as well as their desires to play an active role in shaping the town’s future and ensuring their input is always welcomed and carefully considered by their elected officials. I also saw these and similar topics addressed during town meetings and covered in The Smithfield Times. 

On a number of occasions, I had similar discussions with Mary Ellen, and I always found her perspective, insight and attention to details very helpful and encouraging. I strongly believe that, as a Town Council member, she would bring a thoughtful, deliberate and common-sense approach to decision making and an ear open to the voices of those she represents. Her calm, quiet demeanor and kind, caring attitude, along with her inquisitive nature and willingness to stand up for what she believes in, make her the right person at the right time for this job.

Mary Ellen Bebermeyer and her fellow CRL candidates seek to “prioritize the citizens of Smithfield,” and they deserve your vote on Nov. 5.

 

Chris Claud 

Poquoson