Gillespie, McFadden vie for Republican endorsement for mayor as Holloway says he will not seek re-election

Two town council and two mayoral candidates introduced themselves to a Warren County Republican Committee crowd gathered at the second floor of the Main Street Mill Thursday evening, February 24, at 6 p.m. an hour prior to a called meeting of the committee. The big surprise, perhaps, was that committee member and incumbent mayor Chris Holloway, who was in attendance, was not one of those four. Rather, current councilmen Gary Gillespie and Joe McFadden, in order introduced by Acting Committee Chairman Steve Kurtz, announced runs for mayor. Political newcomer Zach Jackson and current Front Royal Planning Commission member Josh Ingram announced runs for council.

Gary Gillespie was the first mayoral candidate introduced to the Republican crowd. He was followed to the speaker’s podium by Joe McFadden – yes, that is a freshly shaven, unfamiliarly beardless McFadden below. Royal Examiner Photos by Roger Bianchini

All four are seeking Warren County Republican Committee endorsements – and if form holds true from recent elections, almost assured election – in what ostensibly remains a non-partisan election as mandated by the Town Charter despite the trend through recent election cycles of political party endorsements of town candidates.

Asked about his decision not to run for re-election or even a return to a council seat, Mayor Holloway cited an increasing workload in his construction business for his decision to give up public office after eight years as a councilman or mayor. “I really am too busy. I’ve got six houses going right now, I’m getting ready to do five more homes and it’s just too time-consuming with those. And I think after eight years I’ve done my public service,” Holloway, who has found himself enmeshed in several recent professional and personal controversies, told Royal Examiner.

Mayor Holloway listens to Gillespie’s announcement seeking to succeed him. The current mayor politely applauded his colleague’s announcement.

In addition to the mayor’s seat which comes up every two years, four-year council terms are expiring for Letasha Thompson and Republican Committee members Gillespie and Amber Morris. Contacted following the announcement event, Morris, who was present Thursday evening, said, “I am evaluating my options to continue my public service to our community. I will be making a definitive decision in the coming months.”

Morris won a special election last year versus Bruce Rappaport to fill the unexpired term of Jacob Meza following his July 2021 resignation. Despite his decision not to run for reelection in 2020, Meza had been appointed by council on Jan. 4, 2021, to fill Holloway’s vacant council seat following his assumption of the mayor’s chair following his 2020 mayoral election victory.

Amber Morris, right, Letasha Thompson, and Mayor Holloway at a January council meeting.

Controversy, including a legal challenge, ensued over a Town Charter section some interpreted as prohibiting former council member appointments for a year after leaving office.

An attempt to contact Thompson for comment on her plans for the coming 2022 town election cycle was unsuccessful prior to publication.

Zach Jackson introduces himself as a candidate for the Front Royal Town Council Thursday evening, followed by current town planning commission member Josh Ingram, below.

Royal Examiner will invite all candidates to our “Meet the Candidates” series during this election year.

Meet the Candidates is a series on Royal Examiner where we will sit down with each candidate in our local election and discuss issues that are important to all of us.