Editor, The Smithfield Times:

We are nearing the election and the outcomes of the ballot, and the people are at a pivotal and dire point in determining the direction of where we will head as a community, as well as a nation.

I have watched candidates Mike Smith, Mary Bebermeyer, Darren Cutler and Bill Harris run on policy for small-town charm. They not only have done their research on policies pertaining to this but are also backing their commitment by listening to the constituents during meet-and-greets and “hitting the pavement” trying to reach as many as possible. 

For several years, I feel like we voted based on the name of the person or the fact that they were local and we felt they were “invested.” It’s just in the last several years we have had groups of citizens investigating and giving their time to help keep citizens stay informed. I am hopeful and enthusiastic about the outcome.

I was born and raised in Carrollton and today my whole family has moved to the outskirts to get away from the large developments. My grandma and grandpa lived in Carrollton, as well as my aunts and uncles, my cousins, my parents and siblings. 

When the growth came in, the community changed. We stood by and watched as we grew and grew until we finally made the decision to all move. Windsor, Surry, Smithfield, all very much more scattered but still together. I have watched the “small-town charm” disappear gradually. I have watched some locals capitalize on it. I have watched some leave, some just try to stay afloat with the rising taxes and housing prices. 

Growth is inevitable, but doing it with respect to the people here and fighting to maintain the part of what is left of our small town is important.

 

Candice Vande Brake

Smithfield