An opportunity to affect needed change

When a once in a lifetime opportunity presents itself, some people will say it’s because the stars have lined up. Others might say that the forces of nature have come together, creating the perfect storm. Still, others will say it’s the “Will of God “intervening.

Whatever your belief, our community has now been given an opportunity to completely change the composition of the Town Council come November 8th, with a more representative voice for the good of the community.

Over the past five years, the leadership continues to drag our community down, making Front Royal the laughingstock of the state with their highly visible shenanigans. Nothing can be clearer about the disorganization and poor decision-making than watching a joint Council and Front Royal EDA board meeting in action, the most recent session recorded by the Royal Examiner just this week.

See and hear them for yourself. You be the judge.

Fortunately, we have solid, level-headed citizens who can do better. The change has already started with the appointment of Skip Rogers to replace McFadden’s unexpired term. This is good, very good.

But the real opportunity comes on Election Day when we can vote for new people with sensible ideas that will be for the betterment of everyone in our community rather than the self-interest of a few. There are four candidates for three open council positions. Terrific. Several of the candidates have great resumes that bring both youth and maturity to the council, just what we need, individuals like Bruce Rappaport and Josh Ingram. They each fit the ideal description of what Front Royal needs to a tee, welcome changes.

In addition to the above, there is also a special election between two highly qualified candidates running to fill Scott Lloyd’s open seat. Both individuals would be great additions to the council. It’s a shame that we can elect only one. Please look closely at the qualifications of both candidates.

Mr. Kilby brings proven experience holding senior management positions in a career working in large corporate and governmental operations. The council greatly needs this experience to help manage the complex issues facing our town.

One would hope that the loser of this race could then be appointed to the open seat when the unopposed Mayor’s race will see the current Vice Mayor vacating her current Council seat, which will have to be filled.

It is my hope that the citizens in our community look past the outside influences pushing party over the community and look at each of the candidates running based on their ability to focus on the community’s needs instead of someone’s personal gain.

Opportunity will come knocking at our door come November 8th. Be part of the community. Ask questions. Be prepared. Your vote is the change we need.

Michael Graham
Front Royal

The author has been a strong proponent for the elimination of the use of party endorsements in the Town’s nonpartisan elections. He believes the candidate’s qualifications are more important than party endorsements at the town and school board level that focus on local issues. He has requested a response from the local republican party justifying of their reason for this course of action and has not received a response to date.