Choosing Community Over Developers: A Response to ‘Missed Opportunity’

In response to Mr. Michael Graham’s recent letter to the editor, I’d like to address some of his claims, which seem quite disconnected from the views of our community.

Mr. Graham argues that Front Royal’s decision to decline an offer from a national developer was a “missed opportunity” and suggests that the Town’s choice to avoid unplanned, unchecked growth represents a “failure in leadership.”

This perspective is not only misguided but also runs counter to the desires of most Front Royal residents. A quick look at local social media groups makes it abundantly clear that our community does not aspire to undergo the large-scale development seen in places like Loudoun or Fairfax counties. Many successful local and state candidates have campaigned on platforms that oppose Mr. Graham’s vision; Front Royal has consistently rejected this push for relentless growth, and it will do so again this November.

Mayor Cockrell, Councilwoman DeDomenico-Payne, and Councilman Sealock have shown a commitment to serving the interests of Front Royal’s citizens, not catering to out-of-town developers who have little regard for the community’s needs. These developers, primarily from Northern Virginia, are more concerned with profit than with preserving our town’s quality of life. They want our elected officials out of the way so they can proceed with their plans without regard for local residents.

This election, voters will need to decide between maintaining our town’s character and succumbing to the interests of developers who only want to exploit our land and natural resources. Front Royal needs to be kept on the right path by re-electing Mayor Cockrell and rejecting Tom Eshelman and his allies, who would pave the way for unchecked development that threatens the Town.

Emma McGuire
Front Royal, VA

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