Dual Roles: Double Trouble for Our Community

There are many ways to say that history repeats itself.  George Santayana’s words may be the best well-known: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  For this reason, I feel called to write this brief history lesson as a reminder to our local citizens of the long and problematic history of those serving in dual roles.  You will notice this issue transcends all political parties.

A one-time North River District County Supervisor (2004-2007) served a dual role as developer. He worked on multiple development projects in Warren County and acquired millions of dollars of properties through his many LLCs.  The registered agent for several of his projects (and later business partner/co-owner) was serving a dual role as County attorney (1978-2006) and later as Town attorney (2011-2021).  This County Supervisor later went on to serve on the EDA (2011-2019), and I assume most people still remember the EDA scandal.  These men are now currently involved in a lawsuit in which their LLC is suing the town of Front Royal.

A one-time planning commissioner turned town council member (2017-2020 and reappointed in 2021) found himself serving a dual role as both an employee of Valley Health and a councilman. He had to navigate his ability to cast votes involving Valley Health while serving in his role on the Town Council.  He once recused himself from a matter before the council involving VH but then famously un-recused himself later and cast a vote. (This councilman resigned in 2021.) Notably, there have been many dual roles served as people have sat on both the board of Valley Health or were employed/affiliated with VH in one capacity or another, while also serving in roles on local boards such as the EDA, Planning Commission, Town Council, etc.

This brings me to our most current dual role holder—Glenn Wood.    Mr. Wood continues to hold his seat on the Town Planning Commission while also serving on the Town Council.  Historically, when a planning commissioner has been elected to the Town Council, he has left/resigned his seat on the planning commission. (Examples that come to mind:  Josh Ingram, Jake Meza, Chris Morrison, and Joe McFadden)

For those who may not understand why this dual role holding is especially significant, I refer to Code 15.2-2200 which states “the local planning commissions shall serve primarily in an ADVISORY CAPACITY to the governing bodies”.  This means that Mr. Wood serves in an advisory capacity on the planning commission to advise himself in his role on the Town Council.  He gets the unique opportunity to vote twice on matters relating to planning/zoning that come before the town. In a social media posting, Mr. Wood cited code 15.2-2212, which states it is legal for him to serve this dual role.  It does appear to be legal, but I pose the question, “Is it ethical?” And is it the RIGHT thing to do when looking at the history of this community?

Melanie Salins
Front Royal, VA

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