Valerie Cofer Butler Town of Smithfield Councilwoman

27/08/2026

Mark your calendars for the end of next month. Stop by the Library and let's get to know one another.

27/08/2026

04/08/2026

The general election is November 3rd and early voting starts Sept 18th.

I am the only female running in our local election. Re-elect Valerie Cofer Butler to Smithfield Town Council.

31/07/2026

Next week, August 3rd actually kicks off my first full week of campaigning. I have been doing some random things about town but I want to be strategic and get you on board with me. I'd love to have a one on one with you, with your group, with your community, etc so we can get to know one another.
Some of things I have planned are:
Walk and Talk at the Park with Valerie
Walk and Talk in Town with Valerie
Hanging out at Haydens Lane with Valerie
We definitely be doing something at the Library, at Cure, at McDonalds, at Ringo's
Meet and Greets in Communities and my church
I'd love to meet you where you are
I'd love to meet with some young professionals, if you know some
let me know
Every interaction will be an opportunity to register to vote and
check out restoration approved by the Governor
If you want me to do something else fun, let me know
Looks like rain on Monday morning, so I'll see you at Cure around 9AM.

The candidates forum is September 10 at the Smithfield Center.

Your Vote. Your Voice. Our Town and Our Future.

30/07/2026

I was up and out early this morning. (I'm usually up early but just out. This campaign is going to invigorate me to move earlier. And because I was out early, I came home to take a power nap, as my sister calls it. Diane Bowser. While laying down I heard my from door bell ring. I knew it was someone who doesn't visit me much because I never use my front door. It was a surprising visit.
There are moments in a campaign that you'll always remember, and today was one of them.

I received my very first campaign contribution.
While every donation is important, there's something especially meaningful about the first one. It represents more than financial support—it represents belief. Belief in me, belief in my commitment to serve, and belief in the future of Smithfield.

To the person who made that first investment in this campaign, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your confidence and encouragement mean more than you know. I'm honored by your trust and will continue working hard every day to earn it.

This campaign has never been about one person. It's about neighbors and friends coming together with a shared vision for a community that values thoughtful growth, transparency, collaboration, and a high quality of life for everyone.
Today was the first step. I'm excited for the journey ahead, and I'm grateful to have you walking it with me.

I'm grateful. Thank you for believing in me.

Your Vote. Your Voice. Our Town and Our Future.

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29/07/2026

Last night was the official kickoff of my campaign, and my heart is full. Watch as things ramp up starting August. 1st.

Thank you to everyone who took time out of your busy schedules to attend our first campaign meeting. Your encouragement, ideas, and willingness to stand alongside me mean more than words can express.

This campaign has never been about one person—it's about our shared commitment to Smithfield and our vision for its future. I am grateful for each of you who believes in this journey and is willing to invest your time, talents, and energy.

Together, we'll continue listening, serving, and working to keep Smithfield a community we are all proud to call home.
Thank you for helping launch this campaign. The journey has just begun, and I'm excited to move forward—together.

I celebrated with individuals who helped me gather signatures to qualify to get my name on the ballot. These were the persons who ignited this campaign for me.

It will be the group from last night that will keep the enthusiasm and excitement glowing through this election.

Your Vote. Your Voice. Our Town and Our Future.

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28/07/2026

We discussed guidance for our planning commission and had a robust discussion around SUPs. All of us did not agree last night and that's what's called democracy. I am not inclined to approve every SUP nor do I want to see every one denied.

Special Use Permits (SUPs) are an important tool in our zoning ordinance. They were created to provide flexibility when a proposal may be appropriate under certain circumstances but requires additional review and public input.

I do not believe every SUP should be approved, nor do I believe every SUP should be denied. Each application should be evaluated on its own merits and in the context of our Comprehensive Plan, our infrastructure capacity, and the long-term interests of our community.

Managed growth means making thoughtful decisions—not saying "yes" to everything or "no" to everything. There may be times when an SUP is appropriate because it results in a better-designed project, protects neighboring properties, preserves open space, or provides community benefits through enforceable conditions.

At the same time, there will be proposals where increased density or other requested exceptions are simply not appropriate for the location or would place too much strain on our roads, utilities, schools, or public services.

Our Planning Commission plays an important role in evaluating these requests and making recommendations based on sound planning principles. Town Council's responsibility is to carefully consider those recommendations, listen to the public, and determine whether a proposal serves the best interests of the entire community.

I support using SUPs as they were intended under our zoning ordinance—with transparency, careful analysis, and accountability. That approach allows us to manage growth responsibly while maintaining the flexibility needed to make thoughtful planning decisions.