Local Election 2019: Former reporter supports Shae Parker, North River Supervisor

Considering the current state of the Warren County government’s disapproval rating amongst its citizens–and with good reason–the best news of late is N. Shae Parker’s announcement that he is seeking the North River District on the Warren County Board of Supervisors. As a reporter who covered Mr. Parker when he was a Front Royal Town Councilman, I found him to be extremely dedicated to the job and was struck by how prepared he was for each meeting. He clearly dedicated several hours to preparing for each meeting, always had researched any companies that were on the agenda to make presentations and always seemed to genuinely have the citizens’ interests at heart when casting his vote on Council.

As a reporter, I found Mr. Parker to be earnest in his desire to help his fellow citizens and witnessed many times his willingness to debate an issue with the council if he thought it might not be in the best interest of the public. He was never afraid to be the “squeaky wheel” and I always believed that he was committed to the public and was thorough and hard-working because he believed in the community, he was raising his family here, and he simply wanted the best for everyone.

When Shae came to work with me part-time in the news department at a local radio station, four years ago, we became friends. It was then that I learned first-hand the level of dedication that he employs in all aspects of his life. He was no longer on the council, but was busy running his own business, volunteering at the 4-H Center (and spending each night there during a week of summer camp) and planning a campaign for the North River District seat on the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

I believed then, as I do now, that Shae was the best choice for the seat, because he is honest and honorable and cares deeply about the community and each of its citizens. I know him to be tenacious and truthful when it comes to uncovering the facts of a situation.

I firmly believe that Warren County needs new leadership that is committed, caring, honest and honorable. I am convinced that Shae Parker is the candidate who can bring that leadership to the North River District. I wholeheartedly endorse Shae Parker and ask that each voter shows up at the polls to exercise his/her civic duty. It is time for a change!

A vote for SHAE PARKER is a VOTE FOR WARREN COUNTY!

Norma Jean Shaw

Norma Jean Shaw has been an award-winning journalist for over 30 years, notably with NPR, McNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, a TV and radio news anchor/director, reporter and editor, across the country and the Shenandoah Valley.