A sincere “thank you” to the newly elected members of the Warren County Board of Supervisors

For so long, our County has dealt with confusion, corruption and deceit. I saw our County Board of Supervisors at odds with the citizens and felt the anger fill the room at the BOS meetings. There were lawsuits (some still on-going) and arrest. It was a bittersweet day when the entire Board of Supervisors were arrested, and it was like something out of a movie to see them walking into the jail house to be booked. The citizens banned together to sign a recall petition for the entire Board (which is still in the court) and the signatures needed were collected in less than three weeks. To say that the citizens were unhappy would be a severe understatement. I, and probably many others, felt betrayed and let down by our elected officials.

Fortunately there was a light at the end of the tunnel. That light was the elections. It seems that the publicity enraged citizens, and the petition at least made everyone aware of what was happening to our community. Voter turn out was better than ever, and the citizens spoke. Three new Board Members were voted into office.

I cannot express how relieved I and many other citizens are to see the results of the new Board of Supervisors. They seem to not only listen to the citizens, but they actually hear. From putting an additional meeting time on the agenda for citizen input, to addressing County paid automobiles for employee use, the new BOS continues to show us they are committed to the citizens and community. I know this has not been an easy job for any of them, but they seem to be very dedicated to bringing this community together again and hopefully heal the wounds that were gaping open.

I would like to say “thank you” to Walt Mabe, Cheryl Cullers and Delores Oates for all that you do for the community, for showing you care and for being available to the citizens. Keep up the good work!

Bonnie Gabbert
Front Royal, Virginia