Candidates Share Plans for Tackling Front Royal’s Challenges at Forum

The 2024 Candidates Forum, organized by the Front Royal Independent Business Alliance (FRIBA), offered a vibrant and comprehensive platform for Front Royal residents to engage directly with the candidates running for mayor and town council seats. Held at Royal Cinemas, the event drew an impressive turnout, underscoring the community’s interest in its leadership and future direction.

Setting the Stage

Robert MacDougall of FRIBA opened the forum, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about local governance and policies. “Think of tonight as more of a conversation than a debate,” MacDougall said, framing the evening as a meaningful dialogue rather than a heated exchange. Moderator Mike McCool elaborated on the evening’s structure, which included prepared questions and audience-submitted queries. McCool introduced the slate of candidates: mayoral hopefuls Lori Cockrell and Tom Eshelman and the four town council candidates vying for three open seats—Walt Mabe, Melissa DeDomenico-Payne, Wayne Sealock, and Glenn Wood. Notably, only Eshelman, Mabe, and Wood participated in the forum despite invitations extended to all.

Robert MacDougall of FRIBA opened the forum, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about local governance and policies.

Moderator Mike McCool elaborated on the evening’s structure, which included prepared questions and audience-submitted queries.

Candidate Introductions

The forum kicked off with introductions from the three town council candidates. Each used the opportunity to outline their backgrounds, experience, and vision for Front Royal.

• Walt Mabe began by underscoring his long-standing ties to the community and his extensive service on the Board of Supervisors, where he once held the position of chairman. Mabe spoke of his passion for fostering better collaboration between the town and the county, though he acknowledged the complexities of merging the two governments’ efforts. He promised to prioritize transparency, ensuring that town governance remains open, communicative, and inclusive. “I will always listen, learn, and communicate openly,” Mabe declared.
• Glenn Wood shared an equally compelling story of community commitment. A Front Royal native, Wood highlighted his decades of civic involvement, including volunteering with the Salvation Army, Rotary Club, and Cars Changing Lives. He expressed frustration over recent town missteps that could have been better managed with more effective communication. Transparency and trust-building emerged as central themes of his platform, as he promised to listen to constituents and represent them thoughtfully.
• Tom Eshelman rounded out the introductions, focusing on his entrepreneurial background. Having launched his first clothing store at just 22, Eshelman described how his investments in revitalizing Front Royal’s downtown have fueled his passion for local business. He spoke about managing county fairs and directing events like the Virginia Gold Cup while emphasizing his history of philanthropy as a charity auctioneer. “I’ve raised funds for countless local causes, and I’m committed to seeing Front Royal thrive,” he said, offering the council a fresh, business-oriented perspective.

These introductions set the tone for an evening of detailed and engaging discussions as each candidate shared their unique approach to shaping Front Royal’s future.

Community Strengths

The first question asked the candidates to share what they believed to be Front Royal’s greatest strengths. Their responses painted a picture of a town full of charm, beauty, and engaged citizens.

• Tom Eshelman began by reminiscing about Front Royal’s small-town charm, recalling his childhood spent enjoying downtown Main Street attractions, like the Newberry store and local matinees. He praised recent investments by local entrepreneurs, revitalizing downtown and keeping nearly every storefront occupied. “Main Street is thriving again, and that’s a testament to the spirit of our community,” he said. Eshelman also applauded the influx of newcomers investing in Front Royal and highlighted the strong tradition of volunteerism that defines the town.
• Glenn Wood also cited small-town charm as a key strength but expanded on this by emphasizing the community’s sense of safety. He praised the local education system, including public and private schools and a thriving homeschooling network. Wood shared a story of a resident surprised by the town’s significant police presence, who later appreciated how it contributed to low crime rates. He also mentioned Front Royal’s scenic location, which draws tourists to the Shenandoah River and Skyline Drive, contributing to a high quality of life. “Our town was even compared to a Hallmark movie during last year’s Christmas parade,” Wood said, underscoring the idyllic, welcoming nature of the community.
• Walt Mabe turned the focus to tourism, emphasizing its economic benefits. Though some locals may find the seasonal influx of “leafers” disruptive, Mabe noted that these visitors bring crucial revenue that helps keep taxes manageable. He celebrated the many events and activities that make Front Royal vibrant, from festivals to outdoor recreation. Mabe also commended the dedication of local emergency responders and public servants, highlighting the town’s strong community pride and service foundation.

The candidates collectively highlighted Front Royal’s unique blend of small-town warmth, stunning natural surroundings, and a spirit of collaboration and investment that keeps the town dynamic and appealing.

Challenges and Solutions

Next, the discussion shifted to Front Royal’s challenges, covering water, infrastructure, housing, and traffic.

• Walt Mabe identified water infrastructure as a critical issue, recounting how the town has had to ration water during shortages. He doubts McKay Springs as a viable solution, emphasizing the need for rigorous study and long-term planning. Turning to housing, Mabe stressed the urgent need for affordable options, especially for essential workers like teachers and police officers. He warned against haphazard development, advocating instead for balanced, well-planned growth. “Our community depends on thoughtful, strategic decisions that don’t compromise our future,” Mabe said, stressing the importance of evaluating economic and social impacts.
• Glenn Wood expanded on the water issue, explaining that the town’s reliance on the Shenandoah River creates vulnerabilities during droughts, which have become more frequent due to climate change. He noted that while the town can treat and distribute water efficiently, sourcing remains challenging. Wood also brought up the aging sewer infrastructure, which needs costly upgrades. He pointed to traffic congestion problems near schools and major intersections, calling for better traffic management and updates to critical infrastructure like the 8th Street Bridge, set for replacement with state funding.
• Tom Eshelman zeroed in on water and transparency. He expressed frustration over the lack of urgency in addressing water shortages, recounting his research into alternative solutions, such as utilizing local quarries as reservoirs. Eshelman argued that Front Royal should explore multiple options simultaneously rather than relying on a single, uncertain solution. Transparency was another major issue for Eshelman, who criticized the council’s handling of significant matters like a $6 million lawsuit. “We need open and honest communication with our residents, not decisions made behind closed doors,” he insisted.

Water Infrastructure Discussion

Given the severity of Front Royal’s water concerns, the moderator delved deeper, asking if the issue stemmed from water sourcing, distribution, or both.

• Glenn Wood explained that the problem involves both aspects, but sourcing is the main challenge. The town relies on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, and as river flow decreases, the amount of water the town is permitted to withdraw also shrinks. He discussed the potential of using quarry water, which requires less treatment, as a feasible solution. Wood mentioned short-term fixes like using tanker trucks but acknowledged their high cost. He also noted the need for a unified approach with county officials to enforce water conservation during droughts.
• Walt Mabe compared water management to household maintenance, emphasizing that delayed action only leads to more expensive solutions down the line. He advocated immediate and long-term strategies, like creating reservoirs or collaborating with regional partners. Mabe called for a united front among local leaders, emphasizing that working together is crucial to securing the town’s water future.
• Tom Eshelman stressed the urgency of diversifying water sources. He recounted a broken promise from years ago when a power plant project required a redundant water line that was never built. The town is scrambling to catch up, and costs have skyrocketed. Eshelman proposed creative solutions, like constructing reservoirs that could naturally fill during floods. “We need to think outside the box and act proactively,” he urged the town to consider multiple, diverse water strategies.

All three candidates agreed that solving the water crisis requires collaboration, investment, and forward-thinking strategies.

Housing Concerns and Development

The conversation then moved to housing, where candidates discussed affordability and sustainable growth.

• Tom Eshelman highlighted the pressing need for affordable housing. He mentioned proposed projects near Rural King and suggested increasing housing density to reduce construction costs. Housing could become more affordable for young families and essential workers by enabling developers to build more homes per acre. Eshelman argued this would also expand the tax base, benefiting the community. “We need to make smart, manageable adjustments,” he said while ensuring development aligns with the town’s character.
• Walt Mabe also emphasized the need for diverse housing options, including condominiums and apartments. He noted that young professionals often can’t afford to live in Front Royal, forcing them to commute from neighboring towns. Mabe called for a phased, well-planned approach to housing that considers land use and infrastructure. He stressed the importance of local businesses having a nearby workforce, which stable and affordable housing could support.
• Glenn Wood discussed the complexities of zoning and “by-right” housing, where developments comply with existing laws but don’t contribute additional funds to local services. He pointed out that most housing growth has happened outside town limits, debunking the myth of rampant overdevelopment within Front Royal. Wood emphasized that attracting developers to build affordable housing requires incentives, as the market naturally gravitates towards more profitable high-end homes. He advocated for stronger cooperation between town and county governments to address these challenges.

The candidates agreed that solving the housing crisis is essential for economic stability and the well-being of Front Royal’s residents.

Personal Values and Leadership

The discussion turned to how the candidates’ values shape their approach to governance.

• Tom Eshelman emphasized integrity, which is rooted in his upbringing. He described his Christian faith as a guiding force but stressed that his decisions would not be based solely on religious views. Eshelman said he prays for guidance and aims to make choices that serve the community, emphasizing honesty and character. “I’ll never lie to you,” he stated firmly, stressing his commitment to transparency and fairness.
• Glenn Wood echoed the importance of faith and independence, promising to represent all residents, regardless of political affiliations. He described himself as a practical problem-solver who values listening and finding balanced solutions. Wood shared examples from his time on the Planning Commission, where he prioritized infrastructure and safety, even when it wasn’t popular. He pledged to make decisions based on careful research and a commitment to the greater good.
• Walt Mabe underscored his research-based approach to decision-making. While acknowledging that his personal views may not always align with every voter, he committed to listening and adapting when presented with strong evidence or public feedback. Mabe emphasized the democratic process, stating that community input is vital. He described himself as someone who listens more than he speaks, committed to serving with thoughtfulness and integrity.

All three candidates expressed their dedication to leading with integrity, transparency, and a genuine desire to serve Front Royal.

Business Friendliness and Economic Development

Candidates shared their plans to support local commerce in response to a question about making Front Royal more business-friendly.

• Walt Mabe suggested establishing a single point of contact for new businesses to simplify the application and licensing process. He emphasized that providing guidance and reducing bureaucratic hurdles would make Front Royal more appealing to entrepreneurs. “We need to help businesses get off the ground efficiently,” Mabe said, highlighting the importance of supporting economic growth.
• Glenn Wood agreed, stressing the need for timely and fair decision-making. He pointed out that Front Royal’s reputation for being difficult to work with has deterred potential investments. Wood advocated for a culture shift within town leadership to prioritize business needs and streamline operations. He praised the work of local business groups like FRIBA but said more needs to be done at the council level.
• Tom Eshelman shared personal experiences of bureaucratic frustration when opening businesses in Front Royal. He described jumping through unnecessary hoops and called for modernizing processes to eliminate red tape. Eshelman also proposed engaging business owners in strategic planning efforts, suggesting new committees focused on tourism and infrastructure. “We need to make doing business here as seamless as possible,” he said.

The candidates concluded by emphasizing that a strong business community helps share the tax burden and makes Front Royal more vibrant and economically stable.

Closing Statements

The forum ended with each candidate summarizing their commitment to Front Royal’s future.

• Walt Mabe expressed his passion for the community, emphasizing unity and collaboration. He highlighted his extensive volunteer work and pledged to serve with transparency and dedication.
• Glenn Wood reiterated his goal of efficient and thoughtful governance, promising to represent all residents fairly and use his experience to bring practical solutions to town issues.
• Tom Eshelman emphasized his business background and deep roots in Front Royal, committing to a leadership style that prioritizes strategic planning, economic development, and community engagement.

The 2024 Candidates Forum provided a thorough and engaging look at the candidates’ visions for Front Royal. Robert MacDougall stressed in his opening that events like this are crucial for an informed electorate: “It’s about making informed choices for our shared future.”

For a more in-depth look, watch the exclusive Royal Examiner video coverage by Mark Williams.