Questioning Tom McFadden, Jr.’s Fit for Shenandoah School Board: Ideology Over Inclusivity?

I do not think Tom McFadden, Jr. can be trusted with protecting our students and has not earned your vote for Shenandoah District School Board.

Tom spoke at the June 6th Board of Supervisors meeting, appearing to align himself with the Clean Up Samuels group that tried to defund the library. This group relentlessly harassed and slandered the Samuels Public Library staff to the point the library director resigned from the stress of it all. I would have liked to have seen Tom, as a School Board candidate, use any of his many opportunities at meeting after meeting of the Board of Supervisors to use his influence over this group to stress the importance of civility and patience. I did not see that.

Tom made very concerning anti-LGBTQ remarks on his Request for Reconsideration forms, such as, “I’m uncomfortable about the pro-gay agenda.”. “I’m not happy with books that are described as queer & diversified.” How can we trust Tom McFadden, Jr. to protect children that do not fall in line with his Catholic ideology when he has already expressed such prejudice?

From an email group named “Front Royal Catholics Civic Education Group,” an email was sent out from “Tom McFadden, Sr.” recapping an event attended by the candidate stating, “Tom McFadden, Jr. spoke of how Christians had the opportunity and the ability to control the politics and culture of Warren County if only they would join and unite. He [Tom Jr.] explained how easily he had risen to a leadership role in the Warren County Republican Committee and how like-minded Catholics had orchestrated the nomination or endorsement by the Party of the great candidates likely to take majority control of the School Board and the Board of Supervisors.” Well, I thought the Warren County Republican Committee already had majority control in our community, so I question, does that mean some of our local Republican representatives in office need to be replaced by better-suited Christendom-endorsed candidates?

Many (including me) are concerned that the Christendom-supported candidates’ goal is to control our local government for the purpose of imposing theocracy on Warren County. Messages like these are where that concern comes from.

The attack against the library cost Samuels Public Library over $100,000.00. How much more money can we gamble with a candidate like Tom McFadden, Jr.?

Amber Mabie has courageously stepped up to run as a WRITE-IN candidate for Shenandoah District School Board. She will bring real experience of our public schools to the Board, and her motivation can be trusted. For more information on her, please see her Facebook page, and please also consider WRITING HER IN on your ballot for Shenandoah District School Board.

Alane Yates
Warren County

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