Smithfield Town Council · Nov 3, 2026
Valerie Cofer
Butler
Valerie Cofer Butler, the incumbent, 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 ButlerYou’re reading
- 03Nicholas F. Hess
- 04A. Russ MacConnell
- 05Gene S. Monroe Jr.
Background
- About
- Realtor and retired SunTrust Bank vice president who has lived in Smithfield all her life. She was first elected to the Town Council in 2018 and served as vice mayor in 2024.
On the record: Valerie Cofer Butler
8 sourced01Housing density1 sourced position
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Said developers should still be able to apply for special use permits that raise density, with each proposal judged on its merits.
My position is a balanced yes, Smithfield should continue allowing residential developers to apply for special use permits to which some may request to increase housing density.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Sep 10, 2026Link
02Closed sessions1 sourced position
Voted yes on a motion to stop taking minutes or recordings of closed sessions (passed 6-1, March 2026).
Council voteSmithfield Town Council minutes, March 3, 2026 · Mar 3, 2026LinkHow the council voted
03Flock cameras2 sourced positions
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Said she supports continued use of the cameras only with strict policies, limited access, audits and public reports.
I support continued use only with strict written policies, limited access, regular independent audits, compliance with Virginia law and transparent reports to council and the public.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Sep 16, 2026Link
Voted yes on a consent agenda that included a $33,000 invoice from Flock Safety (passed 7-0, August 2026).
Council voteSmithfield Town Council minutes, August 4, 2026 · Aug 4, 2026LinkHow the council voted
04Short-term rentals1 sourced position
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Said she is open to allowing more short-term rentals but would not support a blanket expansion.
I am open to allowing more short-term residential rentals in Smithfield, but I would not support a blanket expansion without understanding its effect on our neighborhoods and housing supply.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Oct 9, 2026Link
05Pierceville property2 sourced positions
Voted no on issuing a $6.7 million bond for the Pierceville purchase (passed 6-1, May 2026).
Council voteSmithfield Town Council minutes, May 5, 2026 · May 5, 2026LinkHow the council voted
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Said she would support a lower-density plan for the property with public green space, trails and some economic-development uses.
I would support a lower-density, thoughtfully designed plan that combines substantial public green space and trails with carefully placed economic-development uses.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Oct 1, 2026Link
06Park-to-Park Trail1 sourced position
written answer published by the Smithfield Times
Named the Park-to-Park Trail as an issue residents feel has not received enough attention.
I feel the Park-to-Park Trail may be one citizens feel falls into this category.”
Own statementSmithfield Times · Sep 1, 2026Link
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
Valerie Cofer Butler: their words and their votes on the same issue
Pierceville property
In their words
Said she would support a lower-density plan for the property with public green space, trails and some economic-development uses.
Oct 1, 2026 ·written answer published by the Smithfield Times ·Smithfield Times · Oct 1, 2026
On the record
Voted no on issuing a $6.7 million bond for the Pierceville purchase (passed 6-1, May 2026).
May 5, 2026 ·Smithfield Town Council minutes, May 5, 2026 · May 5, 2026
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