Front Royal Mayor and Town Manager Discuss Goals and Vision Following Retreat

In a recent Town Talk at the Royal Examiner studios, Mike McCool sat down with Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell and Town Manager Joe Waltz to discuss the town’s recent retreat and the goals and vision that emerged from it. The focus was aligning the town council and staff towards common objectives to enhance the community’s well-being and infrastructure.

Highlights of the Discussion:

Goals and Vision: Mayor Cockrell and Town Manager Waltz elaborated on the significance of the retreat, which aimed to establish clear, actionable goals for the town. The retreat included comprehensive surveys by council members to identify common priorities. Dr. Mike Chandler facilitated the retreat, leveraging his experience as a professor and former local government official to guide the council through the process.

“One of the things we realized is that to measure progress, you need clear goals,” Mayor Cockrell emphasized. “Last year, we focused on walkability, and this year, we’ve expanded to include broader objectives.”

Walkability and Infrastructure: One of the key goals from the previous year was improving walkability, specifically addressing the need for safer walking routes for schoolchildren. Town Manager Waltz provided an update on this initiative, highlighting the successful West Criser Road sidewalk project grant application.

“We received preliminary approval for a $3.1 million grant to build a sidewalk from Skyline Vista to Route 340,” Waltz explained. “This project aims to provide a safe passage for kids who currently have to walk in the street.”

Communication and Engagement: Mayor Cockrell and Waltz stressed the importance of communication and community engagement, which emerged as a central theme from the retreat. An upcoming open house event, scheduled for June 22nd at the gazebo, will allow citizens to meet with council members and staff to ask questions and learn about town services.

“This open house is part of our effort to improve transparency and responsiveness,” Waltz said. “We want to engage with our citizens and let them know what we’re doing and why.”

Front Royal Town Council 2024 Vision and Mission

Vision Statement: Front Royal is a place citizens and businesses are proud to call home and where there is a strong sense of community and commitment to sustain the quality of life for future generations.

Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Town of Front Royal to provide its citizens, businesses, and visitors with quality public services in a fiscally prudent manner that sustains Front Royal’s character, beauty, and small-town charm.

Council Goals:

Promote Community and Economic Well-Being: Capitalize on Front Royal’s many assets, location, and heritage to enhance its citizens’ and businesses’ community and economic well-being.

Practice Good Governance: Perform functions effectively while being accountable to the citizens of Front Royal.

Sustain Our Infrastructure: Within our fiscal capacity, we will maintain and enhance our infrastructure.

Core Values:

• Accountable
• Ethical
• Respectful
• Responsive
• Transparent

“Front Royal, where you can spend a lifetime”

Future Initiatives: Mayor Cockrell and Waltz mentioned the development of a Citizen Academy, which is set to launch in September. This initiative aims to educate residents about local government operations and encourage active participation.

“We hope to finalize the plans for the Citizen Academy in the next few weeks,” Waltz said. “It’s another step towards fostering a well-informed and engaged community.”

This Town Talk highlighted the town’s commitment to strategic planning, community engagement, and transparent governance. Mayor Cockrell and Town Manager Waltz’s collaborative efforts reflect a forward-thinking approach to enhancing Front Royal’s appeal and functionality.

Upcoming Events:

Town of Front Royal Open House

Date: June 22, 2024
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Location: Gazebo on Main Street, Front Royal

Join us for a fun and informative day featuring:

• Police K-9 Demonstrations
• Touch The Truck
• Interactive Booths
• Food & Games
• Prizes & Giveaways

Meet your Town Staff and Council Members and learn how we make this town great! This open house is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to engage with local government and gain insight into the town’s operations and services.

Annual Garden Tour

Date: June 15, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Starting Location: Cloud Street, Front Royal
Cost: Free (Donations welcome)

Explore beautiful gardens, meet fellow garden enthusiasts, and get inspired! Pick up maps at Cloud Street and vote for your favorite garden. See you there!

Stay tuned for updates, and join us in making Front Royal a wonderful place to live!

Town Talk is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit leaders, and political figures who influence Warren County. Topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. Let us know if you have an idea topic or want to hear from someone in our community. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com