5. What economic development plan will you put in place? Do you think Smithfield and Selma should work together in economic development?
Daniel Evans (Candidate for Mayor of Smithfield): Smithfield has an economic growth plan in place that was adopted approximately 1 year ago. This plan opened and identified many development opprotunities for us that had not been considered. Many areas of our city have been improperly zoned and the development has been hampered by that zoning. With this new plan use guideline we can explore development in a different light. As mentioned we must nurture a business friendly environment and support growth and not stiffle with regulations that are outdated. This does not mean we disgard regulation yet a good mix of common sense never hurt. As for working with Selma, I believe there are many areas of economic development we can work together on. For example; the Certified Site issue for industrial growth is paramount. This is a great gateway for both communities to benefit in multiple ways.
Vic Ogburn (Candidate for Smithfield District 2 Councilman): Work closely with the county economic development team. Let business know that this is a business friendly community. Selma and Smithfield should work together as an economic team, even if this means hiring our own economic development expert.
Charles A. Williams (Candidate for Smithfield District 2 Councilman): I would like the town to develop an Economic Development Assistance program for industries and businesses that considered relocating within the Town of Smithfield or ETJ. This program would consist some of the following: providing executive briefings and community tours, transferee assistance, research materials and assistance to job development grant programs. Yes, I think Smithfield-Selma should work together in economic development to expand available resources and increase community services.
Tony Gupton (Candidate for Smithfield District 3 Councilman): I have worked with municipalities in economic development and job growth and the way to achieve this goal is to:
- Maintain an inventory of developable industrial land free of significant development constraints in order to accommodate projected industrial growth over a 5, 10, and 20-year time frame.
- Establish an economic development fund using a portion of proceeds from the sale of surplus property or other appropriate revenue sources to acquire/improve industrial sites, provide financial incentives, or to undertake other initiatives to accomplish the goals of this element.
- Facilitate the acquisition and development of one or more large industrial sites as a means of attracting appropriate industrial and serviceable facilities.
- Continue to utilize the job credit incentive program, and other economic incentives to attract primary and other industries to Smithfield.
- Work with Economic Development, Downtown Smithfield Development, Chamber of Commerce, State of North Carolina, our elected congressmen, congresswomen, and senators and other appropriate entities to market the area's opportunities to those industries with the highest potential of meeting economic and enhancement benefit.
Perry Harris (Candidate for Smithfield District 3 Councilman): I believe that sensible economic development can be a cornerstone for growth in Smithfield. I strongly feel that incentives that may be offered to a business to locate to Smithfield should be carefully reviewed. I would insist that any incentives that may be offered to any business should be clearly to the benefit of the citizens of Smithfield and should never put our Smithfield in jeopardy of a negative long-term effect or create any burden or tax liability to the citizens of Smithfield unless it is clearly a win win situation for our citizens. I would welcome any opportunity to work with Selma or any other community in our area as long as it is a win win situation for the citizens of Smithfield.
Zach Crocker (Candidate for Smithfield District 4 Councilman): Smithfield and Selma are closely linked and should work together to atract industry and buissiness. Our close proximinty to one another makes it very easy to market our two great towns together while maintaining our seperate identities. I feel that one simple way to attract buisness is to be an easy place to do business. I would like to see Smithfield become more bussiness friendly. Have clear planning and zoning rules and guidlines and have a clear simple process for applying for permits and satisfying thier requirments.
