NORTH SMITHFIELD – Chris Simpkins, candidate for Town Council notes that he voted early this week, selecting his preference for president, choosing from several great local candidates – and then also voting for himself.
“At that moment, I felt grateful,” Simpkins said.
“I knew when I decided to run for office that it wouldn’t be easy or comfortable,” he said. “Since moving to North Smithfield, service to the community has become a deeply rewarding calling. Whether it’s age, family, or a product of town spirit, the need to do more has stuck with me and driven me forward in ways that I never anticipated just five years ago.”
Simpkins noted that when he entered the race as a newcomer to town, he was concerned that he wouldn’t have a comprehensive handle on local matters.
“I had opinions and niche knowledge, but with rich and winding histories surrounding many issues, how could I possibly make thoughtful decisions on behalf of our town?”
Simpkins said he approached the challenge the same way he has during his 20 years as a software developer: put presumption aside and got to work learning, reaching out to residents to listen to their stories and hear their concerns, “because I truly believe there’s value in all viewpoints.”
He also initiated conversations with every candidate that’s running, along with officials from other departments.
“I believe deeply in cooperation, but also know that it requires hard work through proactively seeking out those tough conversations.”
“I spent untold hours doing research, considering all that I had learned, and compiling my views and opinions into an accessible format for open consideration because I also believe voters deserve the opportunity to make an informed decision.”
“Then something unexpected happened. People from all backgrounds started to reach out and tell me that they agreed with me, that they were happy to see someone representing their values, or that they were just glad I’m running.”
Simpkins said he thinks his campaign has resonated because it’s a direct reflection of the conversations he’s had with people.
“It’s easy to presume we know what everyone thinks, but it’s more difficult to do the work and find out for ourselves,” he said. “Even harder still to adjust our thinking when we are proven wrong.”
He notes his campaign slogan, “A Fresh Perspective,” is a three-word summary that means so much more.
“Over this campaign, I learned the true value of seeing through a new set of eyes,” Simpkins said.
“When I entered that voting booth, I filled out the bubble next to my name and took a quiet moment to reflect on everything that had led up to that moment. When I left, ten more people were waiting in line to cast their votes – at 2:30 p.m. on a Monday over a week before election day. I wondered if any of them would be voting for me, though it didn’t matter. They were there to be heard. As I walked back to my car, I felt an overwhelming sense of hope.”
To learn more, visit Simpkins’s website at ChrisForNS.com.
