James M. “Jim” Collins is a candidate for Smithfield Town Council. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Collins is running against four challengers for Smithfield Town Council.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office for this election is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Click here to see who is on your ballot.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Name: Jim Collins
Age: 58
Biography: I was born and raised in Virginia and have been married for 38 years. My wife and I have three sons and four grandchildren. I enlisted in the US Navy Seabees at the age of 17 and during my 21 years active duty, I earned engineering degrees from TCC, Virginia Tech, and MIT. I began my military career enlisted and then earned an officer’s commission in the US Navy Civil Engineer Corps. After retiring from my military service, I started a general contracting company as well as an architectural/engineering design firm. Both are successful companies completing commercial and government projects throughout the East Coast.
Why are you running for this office?
After our family moved multiple times in the military, we have finally grounded ourselves in the amazing town of Smithfield. With the experiences in raising a loving family, military leadership, and building several successful companies, I started serving on a couple of our community boards. This really raised my interest in learning about local government operations and sought-after opportunities to serve our town in the best possible way. After having been appointed to a position on the Town Council, I am running for re-election.
What is your view on growth management in your community?
Growth has become an ever-moving and volatile topic in Smithfield. I think the term “controlled” growth is often overused as each person’s view can vary greatly. Our town has a well-crafted Comprehensive Plan to provide guidance on intended land uses, but “control” can only really be achieved by owning the property. Private owners should be able to present ideas for their property without intervention from the government. Then discussions should work towards improving the project to benefit the owner and the town. Our town must “manage” the growth, and each project needs to be evaluated on how it will impact the town independently as well as collectively with all other projects. We must maintain our small-town character and feel through managing the quantity and quality of the projects.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the municipality?
The question is very vague and can be interpreted in so many ways. Do I think individuals taking money is right, no, there are laws against public officials personally taking money or gifts. If the question refers to a large gift that has been presented to the town of Smithfield and not to any individual, then the question should have been clearer in its intent. I believe there are possible benefits that the town could capitalize on with this gift. However, before I make any informed decision, I have many questions as to what the explicit or the implied requirements are and what are the potential long-term positive or negative impacts of this gift. However, we have not been given all the information behind the gift and any factual conversation at this point is simply not possible.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
I will always maintain mutual respect. Constituents should never be devalued based on differing viewpoints. I never assume my thoughts are absolute and welcome all opposing opinions and encourage healthy discussions. I think we can all learn from simply listening to other viewpoints. That information may not change an opinion, but education could bolster the belief in something.