A perspective on Stanley’s service, removal

Dear Sir:

I have spent considerable time in Warren County over the past several years and have been present on several occasions in which Doug Stanley was a prominent figure.  He was often the center of attention and you could sense the respect and pride others had in him.  That was also evident at his final Board of Supervisors’ meeting, where many of his staff were there supporting him.

Doug Stanley on the job in Warren County – Royal Examiner File Photo

I met Stanley several years ago and was impressed with his knowledge of government, knowledge of quality processes, empathy for the citizens under his care, his vision for the future of Warren County, his ability to lead his staff and communicate with its citizens.  I wondered why he wasn’t higher in government service for the commonwealth or at the federal level.  I thought Warren County was fortunate to have him.

Stanley served Warren County for about 25 years.  That is a full career for many professions; he gave the best years of his professional life to Warren County.  I was not there, but was told by others he was denigrated at a meeting reminiscent of The Jerry Springer Show with people yelling from the audience and no control from the Board of Supervisors.  In contrast, the meeting where he was terminated was closed and the BOS did not allow any speakers at the associated three minute open session.

Perhaps Stanley was caught up as a scapegoat in the Economic Development Authority scandal and debacle.  However, I understand he was totally exonerated and was instrumental in unraveling the mess.  He deserved a medal, not a pink slip.

This was a shabby way to treat this leader and citizen of Warren County and a man that gave much of his life and heart to Warren County.  I hope and expect he will rebound somewhere to a much more prominent position where the citizens will benefit from his vision and expertise.  I don’t think the members of the BOS knew what a special person they had.  This will go down in Warren County history as a sad and embarrassing event.

Robert Turner
Chesapeake, Virginia