Maureen Diaz supports Eugene Tewalt for Mayor of Front Royal

As a concerned citizen of Warren County and loyal patron of many Front Royal businesses, I feel a deep level of concern for our community. And although my family resides in Linden, what happens in Front Royal has a direct impact upon our lives, and those of many whom we know and love. This is why I write concerning the race for mayor in our adopted home town.

When my husband and I consider who is best for any position of public office, we always search for a person with deep integrity, good judgement, and trust-worthiness. Thus, were we able to vote in the mayoral race, we could in no way consider voting for the former mayor, Hollis Tharpe. Quite frankly, I am personally appalled that any would consider him a worthy candidate for this position, following the revelations of the last year.

It has been said by some that, as all charges were dropped against Mr. Tharpe, he has been vindicated. My own opinion, and that of my husband, differs greatly.

Yes, Mr. Tharpe could not be prosecuted for soliciting prostitution. However, and by his own admission, Mr. Tharpe did seek out services from a “bawdy place”, one found on Craigslist rather than the usual, reliable, legal, and respectable sources such as a simple search of local businesses. In fact, were Mr. Tharpe looking for a legitimate therapeutic massage, there are many available within the community that are very easy to find. Off the top of my head I can think of at least 6 easy-to-find massage therapists or day-spas offering such services, some of which I have personally used with great satisfaction. However, this was not the approach Mr. Tharpe took for his own “therapeutic” massages.

Is it not reasonable to understand why the charges against Hollis Tharpe could not stand? With the only witness being one charged with the act of offering illegal sexual services, and who was yet to go on trial, surely she would not incriminate Mr. Tharpe, as she would be admitting her own guilt!

And so I ask you, voting citizens of Front Royal, are you really okay with electing as mayor one who clearly lacks integrity and honesty? The events for which Mr. Tharpe was indicted, and for which he at least in part admitted to (while denying anything “sexual”), are not indications of good character or wise judgement. Were he an honest man he most certainly would not have chosen to look for services in such a place as this; there is one reason, and one reason only, that men frequent such establishments!

Our vote, if only it could count, would be for Mr. Eugene Tewalt, a man whom my family knows well to be of excellent character, judgement, and integrity. We sincerely hope that those who can vote in this election, use that vote wisely.

Maureen Diaz
Linden, Virginia