Smithfield Town Council · Nov 3, 2026
Nicholas F.
Hess
Nicholas F. Hess is running for Smithfield Town Council in the Nov 3, 2026 election; 5 candidates are running for 4 seats.
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The race · Town Council
- 01Jeff D. BrooksIncumbent
- 02Valerie Cofer ButlerIncumbent
- 03Nicholas F. HessYou’re reading
- 04A. Russ MacConnell
- 05Gene S. Monroe Jr.
Background
- About
- Owner of the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club and chairman of Smithfield's Board of Zoning Appeals.
Nicholas F. Hess and Gene S. Monroe Jr. are chairman and vice chairman of the town's Board of Zoning Appeals. Smithfield Times · Jun 19, 2026
On the record: Nicholas F. Hess
6 sourced01Housing density1 sourced position
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Said special use permits should not be used to increase housing density unless bound by a mandatory maximum cap.
No, Smithfield should not allow developers to use special use permits (SUPs) as a workaround to increase housing density, unless those permits are strictly limited and bound by a mandatory maximum cap.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Sep 10, 2026Link
02Closed sessions1 sourced position
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Said he would push to restore closed-session minutes and require public input before major commitments.
On council, I’ll push to restore closed-session minutes, require every closed-session agenda item to cite the specific legal exemption it relies on, and insist that public input come before major commitments — not after.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Sep 1, 2026Link
03Flock cameras1 sourced position
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Said his support for Flock cameras depends on use, and called for limiting access to active investigations.
I will fight for strict guidelines that restrict access only to active investigations and require the immediate deletion of everyday data.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Sep 16, 2026Link
04Short-term rentals1 sourced position
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Said short-term rentals should continue under the current process, with year-round use requiring a special use permit.
We should continue to allow short-term rentals, provided they strictly adhere to this established process.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Oct 9, 2026Link
05Pierceville property1 sourced position
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Proposed a permanent home for the Smithfield Farmers Market on the property.
First, I propose establishing a permanent, dedicated home for the Smithfield Farmers Market.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Oct 1, 2026Link
06Tourism1 sourced position
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Said the council should speed completion of the park-to-park trail system to bring visitors into the historic district.
Accelerate the completion of the park-to-park trail system to seamlessly link outdoor recreational visitors with the commercial core.”
Own statementSmithfield TimesLink
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