Tom Eshelman Talks Water Woes and Vision for Front Royal in Mayoral Campaign

In a recent Town Talk with Mike McCool, publisher of the Royal Examiner, mayoral candidate Tom Eshelman discussed his campaign and priorities for Front Royal. Eshelman, who has been actively engaging with the community, shared insights on critical issues like the town’s water supply and his vision for its future.

Eshelman emphasized the importance of addressing the persistent water shortage in the town. “We need a secondary water source, and we should be talking about it,” he said. Despite acknowledging that solutions can’t be implemented overnight, Eshelman criticized the current administration for not taking sufficient action. He recalled a suggestion for a water committee made in a liaison meeting last October, which was well-received but never acted upon.

Eshelman pointed out that no concrete actions have been taken while discussions about water have occurred. He expressed frustration over the lost time, noting, “We’ve lost a whole year. We can’t recapture that, but I tend to think that if we had some forward-thinking vision, this is something we could have been working on already.” He suggested various potential solutions, including utilizing McKay Springs, exploring quarries, creating a reservoir, and even recycling water.

Apart from water issues, Eshelman talked about his extensive experience in revitalizing Front Royal’s downtown area. He recounted purchasing and refurbishing several historic buildings, turning them into successful businesses. One notable project was the transformation of the old McCrory 5 and Dime store into an antique emporium, which eventually housed various businesses, contributing to the town’s economic growth.

Eshelman also highlighted his tenure as general manager of the Shenandoah County Fair, where he brought horse racing to the fairgrounds, providing a significant financial boost to the community. He emphasized the need to leverage such experiences to enhance tourism and local business development in Front Royal. “The Warren County Fairgrounds is a hidden gem,” he said, advocating for better utilization of local resources to attract visitors and stimulate the economy.

In terms of governance, Eshelman expressed his desire to form various committees to address pressing issues. He believes in involving community members with expertise in relevant fields. “The solutions to a lot of our problems are in our community,” he said, emphasizing the importance of local input over external consultants.

Eshelman’s campaign also stresses the importance of representing all citizens, not just those who vote for him. He values the independence of his candidacy, free from partisan pressures, and aims to be a mayor for all residents. “Everybody has a voice, and being an independent candidate, we’re not getting that partisan endorsement, but independent candidates are free to think on their own,” he stated.

Eshelman plans to continue engaging with residents, attending events, and listening to their concerns as the election approaches. He hopes that his business acumen and proactive approach will resonate with voters. “We need to prioritize it,” he said, referring to the town’s water issue. “Hopefully, we’ll find solutions no matter who’s the mayor and who’s the council.”

With early voting starting in September, Eshelman and other candidates ramp up their campaigns, making their cases to the electorate. Front Royal’s future, particularly its water security and economic vitality, remains a key focus in this election, with candidates like Eshelman promising action and innovation.

Town Talk is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit leaders, and political figures who influence Warren County. Topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. Let us know if you have an idea topic or want to hear from someone in our community. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com