Smithfield residents will have an opportunity to question candidates running for Town Council this week.

The Smithfield Times is sponsoring a candidate forum on Thursday, April 5, beginning at 7 p.m. at The Smithfield Center. Judy Begland of Wharf Hill will serve as moderator and questions will be fielded from the audience. 

There are six candidates running for four seats, and Mayor Carter Williams is the only incumbent in the race.

Also vying for a spot on council is Valerie Butler, Bill Davidson, Wayne Hall, Beth Haywood and Chris Torre.

Butler is a retired banker and president of the Isle of Wight County Chapter of the NAACP and is active with the STOP organization. 

Davidson is a retired engineer who currently serves on the Smithfield Planning Commission, as well as volunteers with various organizations in town. 

Wayne Hall is a retired from the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office and is active in numerous organizations, including the Smithfield Masonic Lodge and the Isle of Wight County Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Beth Haywood is a reading specialist with Hampton city schools, coaches the Special Olympics swim team, as well as the Smithfield Dolphins swim team. 

Chris Torre is a retired general contractor and currently serves on the Board of Historic and Architectural Review, as well as vice commander of the VFW Post 8545. 

The Smithfield town election is May 1 and will be held at The Smithfield Center. 

The deadline to register to vote is April 9, and the deadline to request an absentee ballot is April 24 by 5 p.m. The office is located at the Isle of Wight County Courthouse Complex, 17106 Monument Circle. For more information, call 357-5699.