Mayoral Candidate Tom Eshelman Pushes for Action on Water, Growth, and Transparency

Tom Eshelman, a mayoral candidate for Front Royal, urges the community to focus on two critical issues: the town’s water supply and responsible, organized growth. Eshelman has made it clear that he respects the work of the current mayor and town council but believes new approaches are needed to address the challenges that Front Royal faces. As the November election approaches, Eshelman lays out his vision for the town, emphasizing sustainable water management, citizen participation, and careful development that benefits all residents.

A significant point of Eshelman’s platform is water security. He has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of droughts in Front Royal, pointing to severe water shortages in 2023 and 2024, which he notes are part of a more significant trend developing over the past 20 years. “We’ve had five significant droughts in the last two decades,” Eshelman explained, adding that the town needs to take immediate action to ensure it doesn’t face serious water shortages in the future.

Eshelman believes that addressing this issue is critical for day-to-day life and the town’s future growth.

Eshelman has outlined several strategies to tackle the water problem. He has suggested investigating alternative water sources, including the unused McKay Springs, initially purchased by the Town for future water supply. He has also proposed using local quarries as potential water reserves. Eshelman believes that forming a regional water authority with neighboring counties like Frederick and Clarke could help Front Royal manage its water needs more efficiently.

Moreover, he advocates for creating a water committee with experts and community members to advise the Town on long-term water management solutions. “We need to think ahead,” Eshelman said, pointing out that these projects would take years to implement but must be prioritized to avoid future crises.

Eshelman is also keen on facilitating growth that preserves Front Royal’s character. While some residents have voiced concerns that new developments could make the town feel like Fairfax or Loudoun County, Eshelman rejects the comparison. “Organized growth is already in the town’s mission statement,” he explained, noting that development doesn’t have to mean uncontrolled expansion. Instead, he supports well-planned projects that enhance the town’s economy without overwhelming its infrastructure.

He points to the Happy Creek development as an example of what responsible growth could look like. This project includes significant contributions from the developer, such as public parks and road improvements, while maintaining larger lot sizes than some surrounding areas. According to Eshelman, such developments will help increase the town’s tax base, provide additional revenue to fund public services and reduce the financial burden on current residents. “The more we generate revenue, the less we have to charge everybody,” Eshelman said, stressing the long-term benefits of thoughtful development.

Eshelman also sees opportunities to improve the Town’s infrastructure through citizen-led committees. One of his key proposals is establishing a parking authority to address growing concerns about the lack of parking in downtown Front Royal, particularly during busy events like the Festival of Leaves and court days. He argues that a parking garage could alleviate these issues and support the town’s future as it grows. “It’s time to start talking about it and putting together a plan,” he said, reflecting on how other towns like Winchester initially resisted building parking garages but eventually recognized their value.

Affordable housing is another priority for Eshelman. He believes Front Royal needs more options for affordable living and has proposed forming a committee to explore ways to encourage such developments. He’s optimistic that some new projects, like those from a developer currently planning affordable housing units, could help meet this need. In addition, Eshelman has researched state and federal grants that could be used to support housing and business improvements in town. “There are funds available for towns like ours,” he said, encouraging more proactive efforts to secure these resources.

Eshelman’s candidacy is also notable for his status as an independent, in contrast to other candidates who political parties endorse. He explained that town politics are supposed to be nonpartisan, and he values the freedom to make decisions based on what he believes is best for Front Royal without being tied to party agendas. Eshelman emphasized that recent debates among Town Council members, some of whom voted against party lines in favor of developments they believed would benefit the community, highlight the importance of independent thinking in local government.

As the election draws near, Eshelman focuses on promoting transparency and citizen engagement. He believes the town needs to take a more open approach to decision-making, particularly on issues like budgeting, spending, and legal matters. For example, Eshelman pointed to the ongoing HEPTAD lawsuit involving a proposed housing development in the Happy Creek area. The lawsuit has been in litigation for over a year. Eshelman is concerned that there has been little public discussion despite the potential financial implications for the town. “Why aren’t we at the table, talking about solutions?” he asked, advocating for a more collaborative approach to resolving the matter.

Eshelman’s message is clear: Front Royal has an opportunity to plan for the future, but it needs leadership that prioritizes key issues like water security, responsible growth, and open communication. He hopes to gain the community’s support in the upcoming election by offering a vision that balances progress with preserving the town’s unique character.

With just days remaining before the election, Front Royal residents will soon have to decide who will lead the town in addressing these crucial issues.