Local attorney David Downes announces candidacy for School Board member in South River District

Local attorney David Downes now a write-in candidate for School Board in South Rover District.

Local attorney David Downes announced his candidacy for School Board Member of the South River District on Friday, Novermber 1, 2019. Downes is in a write-in race with Kristen Pence. Downes released this statement:

My name is David Downes. I have a law practice in Front Royal and have been actively involved with our community since I settled here in 1987. Whether through my legal representation of our citizens, as chairman of the Warren County Red Cross, as a member of the United Way, performing activities as a Freemason, or through one of the numerous nonprofit boards and trusts of which I am an active member, I always seek to make our community better.

I have lived in the South River District and practiced law in Warren County for the past thirty-two years. I graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.A. degree in Communications and Sociology and from the University of Richmond Law School with a juris doctorate degree. My oldest son graduated from Warren County public schools, and went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps before now attending college. My daughter is currently enrolled as a seventh grader in Warren County public schools.

Why are you running for School Board Member for South River District?

I believe that timing is everything and that there is no more important time than this election to turn around the lost confidence in our local government. I bring thirty-two years of legal experience to the table that includes thousands of court cases, appeals, and legislative lobbying. I want the best for our children as students, and for the future of our schools. I want to devote my skills toward solving problems affecting our schools, I will not hesitate to ask the hard questions when seeking funding for our schools, will expect everyone’s best as we work together to support teachers and administrators, and will be insistent on accountability at all levels of our school system.

I have tried to live by my grandfather’s motto that you should make every place better than you found it. He was one of the founders of Camp Rock Enon for the Boy Scouts, and continues to inspire my actions today. My mission is simple: I want to improve the quality of our school system so that all of our students succeed and the quality of life of everyone’s in our community improves.

A stronger school system will also encourage new families to settle here and our children’s families to remain here. To me, there is no more important investment in our future than in the education of our children and our neighbor’s children. I wish to continue my grandfather’s legacy toward community service through contributions to our school board.

What is the biggest problem facing the School Board and how would you solve it?

The most pressing issue facing the School Board is the selection of a new superintendent. This needs to be done as expeditiously as possible during this transitionary period. The most qualified and highly effective candidate must be found. The school board must also be proactive in retaining high quality teachers, improving the students’ quality of education, and providing a safe and secure educational environment. By strengthening our schools, we will increase pride in Warren County. These aspirational goals can be accomplished through hard work, cooperation, transparency, and tenacity.

I believe we can accomplish these goals by creating an environment where everyone – the school board, Superintendent, school administrators and staff, our students, and community – work together to strengthen and improve our schools. I would especially like to increase parental involvement in our schools so that we all are a part of our children’s academic success and accomplishment.