A candidate for the Smithfield Town Council withdrew from the race Friday.
Tim Johnson, the former Parks and Recreation Director, had filed for the District 2 seat on the town board. Johnson notified the Johnston County Board of Elections that he was withdrawing.
“Due to recent circumstances beyond my control, I regretfully must withdraw from consideration for the Town of Smithfield District 2 Council Seat,” Johnson stated in an email to WTSB News. “Although according to state law my name will remain on the ballot, I want the citizens to know if elected, I cannot serve at this time.”
“I look forward to continuing to serve the community in other ways with the end-goal being the same, to make Smithfield the very best it can be.”
Prior to the Noon deadline on Friday, local businessman David Stevens filed for the District 2 council seat.
Stevens will challenge incumbent Perry Harris for the seat which represents the South Smithfield area.
Johnston County Elections Board Director Leigh Anne Price confirmed Johnson’s name will still be on the November 7th ballot for Smithfield Town Council. In the event Johnson receives more votes that Stevens or Harris, all of Johnson’s votes will be discarded.
