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Meet the Candidates

Front Royal Election 2020: Eugene Tewalt, candidate for Town Council, concerned about Anthem and Town/County employees

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Meet the Candidates is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will sit down with each candidate in our local election and discuss issues that are important to all of us. The Royal Examiner asked Michael Graham, a former Town Manager of Front Royal to host these conversations. As a former Town Manager, Michael has an insight into the issues facing the Town and hopefully be able to bring out from each candidate their vision and plan if they are to be elected in the November 3rd election.

In this conversation, Michael will speak with Eugene Tewalt, this time concerning the announcement that Valley Health will not be accepting the Anthem Health Plan next year. This is a concern because the Town’s health care plan is from Anthem. Tewalt is seeking a seat on the Front Royal Town Council.

According to Valley Health, Anthem has been unwilling to work with Valley Health caregivers.  Valley Health says they are preparing for the possibility that Valley Health will no longer be in-network with Anthem beginning January 1, 2021. If this occurs, Anthem will consider all Valley Health caregivers and services out-of-network, and Anthem-insured patients could see higher costs.

All local candidates have been invited to participate in this ‘Meet the Candidate’ series. Please be sure to vote.

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Meet the Candidates: A conversation with Blaine Dunn, Candidate for Virginia Senate – District 1

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Meet the Candidates is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will sit down with each candidate in our local election and discuss issues that are important to all of us. In this Meet the Candidates session, our publisher Mike McCool speaks with Blaine Dunn.

Blaine Dunn, Vice Chair of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors, is a well-known personality in the Northern Shenandoah Valley area, and his accomplishments speak for themselves. A special election in 2015 brought him to the Board of Supervisors, where he has been re-elected for two more terms in 2017 and 2021. Dunn is also the owner and president of Dunn Financial Advisors, LLC, which offers fee-only financial advice to individuals and small businesses. He started the business from scratch and is a Certified Financial Planner. Dunn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution from Clarkson College of Technology and a Master of Arts degree in Diplomatic History from the University of Massachusetts. Before establishing Dunn Financial Advisors, LLC, he served as a technical representative, history teacher, and legislative director/staff for three members of Congress and two federal agencies.

As of January 2023, Dunn was elected Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and is currently the Chair of the Human Resources Committee, a member of the Finance Committee, the Technology Committee, and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission. Dunn is a strong advocate of accountability on budgeted spending versus actual spending, advocating for budget transparency, supporting funding for school maintenance and improvements, and advocating for joint Board of Supervisor and School Board meetings to resolve differences. He has also opposed funding for Deep Equity (CRT). Dunn supports school choice, which he believes would create competition that would benefit students. He has also supported School Resource Officers to keep students safe in schools.

Dunn is a visionary who understands the problems facing Northern Shenandoah Valley, especially the challenge of paying for the growing population. He proposes an alternative to increased real estate taxes. Existing residents should not have to subsidize the cost of new home developments. Instead, he suggests that new residents pay the capital costs the counties incur and advocates for impact fees to pay the capital costs of new growth. Existing proffers on houses would reduce the required impact.

Dunn is known for his financial expertise, and he understands the intricacies of how to allocate resources to maximize the growth and welfare of the county. He has been a tireless advocate for the people of Frederick County and will undoubtedly continue to work hard for the betterment of the county in the years to come.

To learn more about Blaine Dunn and the campaign for Virginia Senate, please visit BlaineDunn.com.

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Meet the Candidates: John Stanmeyer, candidate for Supervisor in Warren County, Shenandoah District

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John Stanmeyer, a consultant for Cirium, an international aviation data analytics company, has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the Shenandoah Magisterial District supervisor seat on the Warren County Board of Supervisors. In an interview with the Royal Examiner’s Meet the Candidates series, Stanmeyer discussed his reasons for running and his vision for Warren County.

Stanmeyer, a Chicago native who has lived in Warren County for six years, believes that the county can make improvements in the way it presents itself to businesses and people seeking to invest in the community. He hopes to apply his skills to ensure that the county is being a good steward of taxpayers’ money and spending it wisely. Stanmeyer also opposes any significant development, subdivisions, or townhome communities in the area surrounded by the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks along the south and west, Shenandoah Shores Road on the east, and Progress Drive to the north.

If elected, Stanmeyer plans to continue serving the community and using his experience and knowledge to make Warren County a better place to live. He believes that his background in management consulting, telecommunications, international trade, and aviation, as well as his economics degree from the University of Virginia, make him well-equipped for the role.

The “firehouse” primary to select the Republican candidate for the Shenandoah Magisterial District supervisor seat will take place on May 5 at the North Warren Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department station. Stanmeyer will be challenging Ralph Rinaldi, a Shenandoah District School Board member, for the party nomination.

While both candidates are passionate about serving the citizens of Warren County and making a positive impact on the community, it remains to be seen how they will differentiate themselves and win over voters. Nonetheless, the primary election promises to be an exciting and pivotal moment for the community. Local residents can reach out to Stanmeyer by email at vote@JohnforWarren.com to learn more about his platform and campaign.


Meet the Candidates: Ralph Rinaldi, candidate for Supervisor in Warren County, Shenandoah District

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Meet the Candidates: Ralph Rinaldi, candidate for Supervisor in Warren County, Shenandoah District

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Local resident Ralph Rinaldi has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the Shenandoah District of the Warren County Board of Supervisors. Rinaldi, a dedicated public servant and fiscally conservative, is vying for the nomination against fellow Republican John Stanmeyer.

In a Meet the Candidates session with the Royal Examiner, Rinaldi spoke about his extensive experience serving the citizens of Warren County and Virginia. He has served on several boards, including the Warren County Planning Commission, the Warren County School Board, and the Warren County Well and Septic Appeals Board. Additionally, Rinaldi has been an active member of the Shenandoah Farms community, volunteering at the local fire department and serving as a mentor to local students.

Rinaldi’s decision to run for the Republican nomination was motivated by the need for historical knowledge among the Board of Supervisors. He believes that his experience and knowledge can benefit the citizens of Warren County and make the area an even better place to live.

Rinaldi’s candidacy has generated a lot of excitement among local residents. He is seen as a dedicated public servant who has the right experience and dedication to serve the community. The Warren County Republican Committee has announced a “firehouse” primary election on May 5, 2023, to select the candidate who will represent the Shenandoah Magisterial District supervisors in the upcoming November 7 General Election. All registered voters are eligible to vote in the primary, which will take place at the North Warren Volunteer Fire & Rescue at 89 Rockland Road, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, from 2 to 7 pm.

If elected, Rinaldi plans to continue serving the community and using his experience and knowledge to make Warren County a better place to live. Local residents can reach out to Rinaldi by email at rrinaldi@centurylink.net or through his website, ralphforwarrencounty.com.

As the race for the Republican nomination heats up, it will be interesting to see how Rinaldi and Stanmeyer differentiate themselves and win over voters. Regardless of the outcome, both candidates are passionate about serving the citizens of Warren County and making a positive impact on the community.


Meet the Candidates: John Stanmeyer, candidate for Supervisor in Warren County, Shenandoah District

 

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Meet the Candidates: A conversation with Timmy French, Candidate for Virginia Senate – District 1

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Meet the Candidates is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will sit down with each candidate in our local election and discuss issues that are important to all of us. In this Meet the Candidates session, our publisher Mike McCool speaks with Timmy French.

Shenandoah County farmer and businessman Timmy French has announced his candidacy for Virginia Senate District 1 in the upcoming election. A lifelong farmer, French is the co-owner of beef, poultry, dairy, and row crop operations and is known for his dedication to traditional farm values that have made our country great.

As a smart businessman, French understands the importance of balancing economic success with preserving the integrity of our land and community. He recognizes that abandoning farm values threatens not only the agricultural community but also America’s future. As a result, he is running for State Senate to ensure that conservative values, community, and neighborly concern remain at the forefront of policy decisions.

According to French, career politicians have failed to prioritize the needs of everyday people and instead focus on their own self-interest and the interests of special groups. He believes that it’s time for decent people to stand up and take back our country from these politicians and special interests. French is committed to fighting for the needs of his constituents and ensuring that their voices are heard in the state legislature.

French’s dedication to his community and his commitment to preserving traditional farm values make him an ideal candidate for Virginia Senate District 1. He is eager to bring his experience as a farmer and businessman to the political arena and work towards a better future for all Virginians.

The primary election will occur on June 20, 2023, with the general election on November 7, 2023.

The Senate of Virginia consists of 40 members, who each represent approximately 215,000 Virginians. Senators serve four-year terms. All 40 seats will be on the ballot in November 2023.

For more information about Timmy French’s campaign and his vision for Virginia’s future, please visit his website.

 

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Meet Dave LaRock: A committed, conservative leader ready to serve Virginia’s 1st Senate District

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Introducing Dave LaRock, a devoted family man, and dedicated public servant who has built a strong foundation of conservative values throughout his life. A true believer in God and the Constitution, Dave has spent years making a positive impact in his community in both his personal and professional life.

Dave LaRock

Together with Joanne, his loving wife of 41 years, the couple has raised seven children and welcomed 19 grandchildren into their lives. The LaRock family, a pillar of the Shenandoah Valley community, has made the conscious decision to homeschool their children, ensuring that future generations have the same choice available to them.

Since 2014, Dave has been a staunch advocate for Clarke County and Northeast Frederick County in the Virginia House of Delegates. Now, he is ready to take his commitment to service one step further by running for Virginia’s 1st Senate District, encompassing Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties, as well as the City of Winchester.

Dave is no stranger to the people of the Shenandoah Valley. Over the years, he has earned their trust and respect as a man who keeps his word and stands up for his principles. Dave promises to continue providing honest, fair, and conservative leadership in the 1st Senate District, fighting for high-quality services and lower taxes for all.

Throughout their lives, Dave and Joanne have been active in their local homeschool network and church community, supporting family members who dedicate their time to helping impoverished communities in Belize, Ghana, and Brazil.

Dave’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through his successful small business as a general contractor. As the manager of the business, he has demonstrated his ability to innovate, solve problems, negotiate complex contracts, and interact with government agencies. Dave’s success in managing large-scale projects within budget constraints is a testament to his leadership skills.

In his five terms as a member of the House of Delegates, Dave has been a steadfast advocate for educational choice, the 2nd Amendment, protecting life, parental rights, religious liberty, medical freedom, and transportation issues. He has also championed local needs, such as ensuring fair real estate taxes for businesses and homeowners, protecting property rights and prime farmland, supporting local first responders, and more. Dave is determined to expedite improvements to I-81, expand rural broadband, and fight against wasteful energy policies and the drug epidemic.

Fearless in the face of opposition, Dave LaRock stands firm in his convictions, ready to defend our conservative values against any challenge. To learn more about Dave and his campaign, visit www.VoteLaRock.us and on FacebookTwitterYouTube, and other social media sites.

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Meet the Candidates: A conversation with James Bergida, Candidate for Virginia Senate – District 1

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Meet the Candidates is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will sit down with each candidate in our local election and discuss issues that are important to all of us. In this Meet the Candidates session, our publisher Mike McCool speaks with James Bergita. James is running for the Virginia State Senate in the newly formed District 1. District 1 includes the counties of Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, and the City of Winchester.

James says, “I believe that Virginia and our Shenandoah Valley can continue to be the land of opportunity, a place where our people don’t just get by but thrive. That’s why I’m running to represent our community in the Virginia Senate”.

The primary election will occur on June 20, 2023, with the general election on November 7, 2023.

The Senate of Virginia consists of 40 members, who each represent approximately 215,000 Virginians. Senators serve four-year terms. All 40 seats will be on the ballot in November 2023.

Bergida interned at the U.S. Department of Justice, worked in real estate and agriculture, and served as the Chairman of the Northern Valley Young Republicans. In 2021, he led a grassroots team of staff and volunteers to flip the City of Chesapeake for Glenn Youngkin.

Having attended Shenandoah University and graduated from Christendom College, Bergida received his master’s and doctorate from the University of Oxford. He currently teaches Political Science and Economics at Christendom College.

To learn more about James Bergida and the campaign for Virginia Senate, please visit jamesbergida.com.

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Thank You to our Local Business Participants:

@AHIER

Aders Insurance Agency, Inc (State Farm)

Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning

Apple Dumpling Learning Center

Apple House

Auto Care Clinic

Avery-Hess Realty, Marilyn King

Beaver Tree Services

Blake and Co. Hair Spa

Blue Mountain Creative Consulting

Blue Ridge Arts Council

Blue Ridge Education

BNI Shenandoah Valley

C&C's Ice Cream Shop

Card My Yard

CBM Mortgage, Michelle Napier

Christine Binnix - McEnearney Associates

Code Jamboree LLC

Code Ninjas Front Royal

Cool Techs Heating and Air

Down Home Comfort Bakery

Downtown Market

Dusty's Country Store

Edward Jones-Bret Hrbek

Explore Art & Clay

Family Preservation Services

First Baptist Church

Front Royal Independent Business Alliance

Front Royal/Warren County C-CAP

First Baptist Church

Front Royal Treatment Center

Front Royal Women's Resource Center

Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce

Fussell Florist

G&M Auto Sales Inc

Garcia & Gavino Family Bakery

Gourmet Delights Gifts & Framing

Green to Ground Electrical

Groups Recover Together

Habitat for Humanity

Groups Recover Together

House of Hope

I Want Candy

I'm Just Me Movement

Jean’s Jewelers

Jen Avery, REALTOR & Jenspiration, LLC

Key Move Properties, LLC

KW Solutions

Legal Services Plans of Northern Shenendoah

Main Street Travel

Makeover Marketing Systems

Marlow Automotive Group

Mary Carnahan Graphic Design

Merchants on Main Street

Mountain Trails

Mountain View Music

National Media Services

Natural Results Chiropractic Clinic

No Doubt Accounting

Northwestern Community Services Board

Ole Timers Antiques

Penny Lane Hair Co.

Philip Vaught Real Estate Management

Phoenix Project

Reaching Out Now

Rotary Club of Warren County

Royal Blends Nutrition

Royal Cinemas

Royal Examiner

Royal Family Bowling Center

Royal Oak Bookshop

Royal Oak Computers

Royal Oak Bookshop

Royal Spice

Ruby Yoga

Salvation Army

Samuels Public Library

SaVida Health

Skyline Insurance

Shenandoah Shores Management Group

St. Luke Community Clinic

Strites Doughnuts

Studio Verde

The Arc of Warren County

The Institute for Association & Nonprofit Research

The Studio-A Place for Learning

The Valley Today - The River 95.3

The Vine and Leaf

Valley Chorale

Vetbuilder.com

Warren Charge (Bennett's Chapel, Limeton, Asbury)

Warren Coalition

Warren County Democratic Committee

Warren County Department of Social Services

Warren County DSS Job Development

Warrior Psychotherapy Services, PLLC

WCPS Work-Based Learning

What Matters & Beth Medved Waller, Inc Real Estate

White Picket Fence

Woodward House on Manor Grade

King Cartoons

Front Royal
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Humidity: 74%
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Upcoming Events

May
29
Mon
7:00 pm Memorial Day Community Band Concert @ Gazebo
Memorial Day Community Band Concert @ Gazebo
May 29 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Memorial Day Community Band Concert @ Gazebo
Memorial Day Band Concert at Gazebo Plaza on Main Street, presented by Front Royal American Legion Community Band.
May
31
Wed
6:30 pm Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
May 31 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Bingo to support the American Cancer Society mission, organized by Relay For Life of Front Royal. Every Wednesday evening Early Bird Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Regular Bingo from 7-9:30 p.m. Food and refreshments available More[...]
Jun
3
Sat
10:00 am Clean the Bay Day @ Sky Meadows State Park
Clean the Bay Day @ Sky Meadows State Park
Jun 3 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Clean the Bay Day @ Sky Meadows State Park
Boston Mill Road Trail near the Park Office. Learn how fences and tree plantings improve water quality at Sky Meadows State Park with a special Explorer Outpost. Stop by our station along Boston Mill Road[...]
10:00 am National Trails Day @ Sky Meadows State Park
National Trails Day @ Sky Meadows State Park
Jun 3 @ 10:00 am – Jun 4 @ 1:00 pm
National Trails Day @ Sky Meadows State Park
Picnic Area. Join park trailblazers and get your hands dirty as we work to enhance the trail surface on Hadow Trail. All ages are welcome and no experience is required. Round trip hike to the[...]
12:00 pm Settle’s Kettle @ Sky Meadows State Park
Settle’s Kettle @ Sky Meadows State Park
Jun 3 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Settle's Kettle @ Sky Meadows State Park
Log Cabin in the Historic Area. Follow your nose to the Log Cabin to see what is cooking on the hearth. Immerse yourself within the 19th century enslaved culture and its foods. Explore the taste[...]
12:00 pm The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
Jun 3 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
Historic Area. The forge is fired up and the blacksmiths are hard at work showing off their skills. Members of The Blacksmiths’ Guild of the Potomac have set up shop in the forge, located behind[...]
1:00 pm Front Royal Bluegrass Music Jam @ The Body Shop
Front Royal Bluegrass Music Jam @ The Body Shop
Jun 3 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Front Royal Bluegrass Music Jam @ The Body Shop
New Bluegrass and traditional music jam the first Saturday of each month starting Feb. 4th, from 1pm till 4pm. All levels of playing invited to attend.
1:00 pm Meet the Beekeepers @ Sky Meadows State Park
Meet the Beekeepers @ Sky Meadows State Park
Jun 3 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Meet the Beekeepers @ Sky Meadows State Park
Carriage Barn in the Historic Area. What’s that buzzing? Meet with local apiarists of Beekeepers of the Northern Shenandoah (BONS – online at bonsbees.com) and discover the art of Apiculture (a.k.a. Beekeeping). This monthly program[...]
Jun
7
Wed
6:30 pm Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Jun 7 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Bingo to support the American Cancer Society mission, organized by Relay For Life of Front Royal. Every Wednesday evening Early Bird Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Regular Bingo from 7-9:30 p.m. Food and refreshments available More[...]
Jun
10
Sat
8:30 am Crooked Run Valley 5/10k @ Sky Meadows State Park
Crooked Run Valley 5/10k @ Sky Meadows State Park
Jun 10 @ 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Crooked Run Valley 5/10k @ Sky Meadows State Park
Turner Pond Entrance. Explore the Crooked Run Valley and Sky Meadows State Park with Bishop’s Events 5k and 10k races. Get rejuvenated as you traverse through the meadows, pastures and woodlands of Sky Meadows and[...]