Editor, The Smithfield Times:

My fellow Americans, first and foremost, I want you to vote by Nov. 7, and if that is all you read here, then our country will be in a better place for your civic service.

But if you have a few more minutes before heading across the JRB or to the Starbucks drive-thru line on Route 17, then I’d like to tell you about my friend Renee.

Specifically, I’d like to tell you why she is the right person to represent us on the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors. I met Renee Rountree back when my wife and I moved to the Cypress Creek neighborhood, after getting assigned at Langley for our next military tour. She warmly invited my wife and me into her circle of friends and ensured that even though we were transplants, we were treated like family. As we got to know her and our other neighbors in Cypress Creek and the historic town of Smithfield, we began to truly appreciate this tight-knit community. There’s always a farmers market happening, a seasonal festival or maybe just the Wednesday night live music down at Wharf Hill Brewery (Whachos included).

Renee, in particular, was involved with many neighborhood activities in addition to her duty on the Town Council. During the past two years my wife and I have lived here, we’ve seen her spearhead holiday parties for the children, oyster roast fundraisers for the local animal shelter and even a “Handy Helpers” craftsmen helpline for retirees who need an extra hand around their house for chores and repairs.

Additionally, she has been a member, officer and/or board member in the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Isle of Wight Community Foundation, Smithfield VA Events, Smithfield High School Booster Club, Smithfield Rotary Club, Western Tidewater Free Clinic and Metro YMCA. All of that while she and her husband, Glenn, have raised their three children here over the past 20 years.

In closing, I want to share three more aspects of this community my wife and I hold in high regard – the historic buildings, the brick sidewalks and beautiful stone archways. Do you know what all those things have in common? A keystone – connecting the sides, linking past to present and paving a way into the future.

Join me in voting for Renee Rountree for District 1 representative to the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors.

 

Austin Hairfield

Smithfield