Financial and Fiscal Stability
Imagine a household that must withdraw money from savings every month just to buy groceries. Temporary challenges happen, and sometimes families need to rely on savings. But when withdrawals become routine, it signals a deeper problem — and action is required.
Smithfield is facing a similar challenge. From 2015 to 2025, the Town’s General Fund Balance declined from $15.7 million to $10.2 million — a 35% decrease. Over just the last four fiscal years, the Fund Balance fell from $13.7 million to $10.7 million, a 25.5% decline. This trend is not sustainable.
To safeguard taxpayer resources, any request for additional staffing or substantial budget increases must be supported by objective, data‑driven justification. In recent years, several proposals have been accompanied by subjective narratives rather than measurable evidence. Such requests must be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure that public funds are allocated responsibly and in alignment with the Town’s long‑term financial stability.
As a councilman, I will uphold my fiduciary duty to the residents and businesses of Smithfield. Every expenditure must be evaluated with care, common sense, and a commitment to protecting the hard‑earned tax dollars entrusted to the Town. As I have often stated: “When you watch the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves.”
Leadership With Purpose
Effective leadership is grounded in three principles: Communication, complete public disclosure, and ethically formed decisions. Residents and businesses deserve timely, accurate information about municipal actions and decisions. Transparency is not optional.
Trust cannot be sustained when information is withheld, selectively presented, or delivered only after decisions have been finalized. Ethical leadership requires that the public be fully informed, that facts be presented without omission, and that decisions be made with integrity and accountability. These standards will guide my conduct and my service to the community.
In Summary
The endorsed Republicans for Smithfield Town Council have discussed the two words … “Good Government.” This approach is how Smithfield will become stronger for everyone!
Press release provided by Kenneth Sousa – Smithfield Town Council candidate.
