Brogan Bows Out, Endorses Carter in Happy Creek Board Race

In a surprising turn in the race for the Warren County Board of Supervisors, Happy Creek District candidate Tim Brogan announced he is withdrawing and throwing his full support behind longtime public servant Tony Carter.

“I’m done,” Brogan said during a recent interview with The Royal Examiner, sitting alongside Carter in the studio. “He’s the gentleman that I will vote for.”

Brogan’s decision to step aside comes after months of community conversations, personal reflection, and encouragement from friends and family. He was initially persuaded to consider the race by a longtime friend, Steve Cullers, who reached out in April. “I told him no at first,” Brogan said. “But we talked for an hour and a half, and I started thinking about it more seriously.”

He discussed the possibility with his family, including his son, a captain in the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and turned to prayer. “The next morning, I felt really good about it,” Brogan said.

But as the campaign season unfolded, Brogan said he realized that the race could become counterproductive. “The numbers in the Happy Creek District aren’t big enough to support three candidates,” he said. “I didn’t want to split the vote and risk someone less experienced getting in.”

That experience, Brogan emphasized, is exactly what Carter brings to the table.

A Familiar Face Returns

Tony Carter is no stranger to county leadership. First elected to the Front Royal Town Council in 1994 and then to the Board of Supervisors in 2001, he served the county for over two decades before stepping away. Now, he says, the time is right to return.

Carter was prompted to re-enter the race after hearing criticism about a past county purchase — the Villa Avenue property, now home to Parks and Recreation. A current supervisor called the acquisition “malfeasance,” but Carter defended the decision.

“We needed a community center,” he said. “The youth center was in a floodplain and couldn’t expand. We paid about $500,000 for the building, put $600,000 of county money into it, and received a $700,000 federal grant.” The investment now appraises at over $2.1 million, Carter noted. “It was a good decision, both for the community and financially.”

Local Concerns Drive the Conversation

Brogan initially entered the race with a focus on the Samuels Public Library controversy, but said he quickly realized that governing goes far beyond one issue. “The library’s important, but it’s not the only thing,” he said. “What happens during the other three and a half years of the term?”

Carter agrees. “We need to be looking at long-term issues — housing, jobs, and economic development,” he said.

Both men voiced concerns about the affordability of living in Warren County. “Some people are paying more in rent than I get from Social Security,” Brogan said. “That’s not sustainable.”

They also discussed the rising costs of townhomes and new developments. “We need to attract better-paying jobs so people can afford to live here,” Brogan added. “Otherwise, we’re just building homes people can’t afford.”

Carter emphasized the need for better planning, noting that while the town is growing, infrastructure and services must keep up. “You can’t just raise taxes every time there’s a need,” he said. “It’s about smart budgeting and strategic growth.”

Getting People Involved

Both candidates spoke passionately about public engagement. Carter reflected on his early political career, when public input came mostly from newspaper articles. “Now, with social media and online videos of meetings, it’s easier than ever to stay informed,” he said.

Carter agreed. “People work long hours and have families. But even watching a meeting at 2 a.m. online — that’s involvement. That matters.”

He also encouraged more residents to consider running for office. “It shouldn’t be easy to run unopposed,” he said. “People deserve a choice. That’s why I appreciated Tim stepping up.”

Looking Ahead

With Brogan stepping aside, the Happy Creek race now narrows, with Carter and Brian Scott Turnmeyer remaining in the contest. Carter expressed appreciation for the civil tone of the race so far and credited the Chamber of Commerce and DoubleTree for hosting a recent candidate forum.

“It’s great when people can ask questions directly and hear where candidates stand,” Carter said.

Brogan echoed the sentiment. “I went to every town council and board meeting. I’ve seen how much time this takes. And Tony’s already got that head start. He can walk into the first meeting with his feet flat on the floor and his head above water.”

Early voting in Virginia begins September 19, with Election Day on November 4.  Carter urged residents to get involved and stay informed. “We make the best decisions when we hear from the public,” he said. “And if we don’t hear from them, we can’t factor in what matters most.”