Tederick lauds new EDA executive director prior to report to council

Doug Parson reports on his work as the new and permanent replacement of former EDA Executive Director Jennifer McDonald. Royal Examiner Photos/Roger Bianchini. Video by Mark Williams.

Despite his recent suggestion that the Town and County explore dissolution of the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority due to past mistakes and the consequent financial scandal, Interim Front Royal Mayor Matt Tederick was complimentary of Doug Parson prior to the new EDA executive director’s update on EDA affairs at the June 24 town council meeting.

“We had the pleasure of having a very pleasant meeting on Friday, and I appreciate, not only the situation you find yourself in, but the candor and work ethic you have instituted in trying to remedy the mistakes of the past … we look forward to working with you in any capacity that we possibly can,” Tederick told Parson as he prepared to deliver his initial public EDA update to Front Royal officials.

Town files suit against EDA, McDonald to recover $3 million of Town assets

That report came just three days after the Town filed suit to recover an estimated $3 million dollars in lost Town taxpayer assets from the EDA and its former executive director.

Watch this Royal Examiner video to see Mayor Tederick’s comments and Parson’s update on his assumption of the EDA executive director’s role in, not only recruiting, but retaining the business that will provide a commercial tax base for the town in coming years:

And it was a rapt audience Parsons played to three days after the Town filed suit to recover an estimated $3 million in Town assets from the EDA.