Town Council interviews more candidates for vacant seat

Councilman Jake Meza and William Sealock, Jr. (flanked by Interim Town Manager Joe Waltz and Town Attorney Doug Napier) discuss issues at Tuesday evening’s work session. Photo by Norma Jean Shaw.

FRONT ROYAL — The Front Royal Town Council Tuesday night interviewed the remaining five candidates under consideration for a seat on the panel.  Prior to its scheduled work session, the group met at Town Hall to meet with those being considered for the seat, which is open for appointment following Vice Mayor Hollis Tharpe’s election in November to succeed Mayor Timothy Darr.

Council has chosen not to fill vacancies in recent years via a special election or picking the next runner-up who did not receive enough votes in the most recent election, though either method would be permitted, Town Attorney Doug Napier said in December.

The Town Council election in November had five candidates–including two current members–vying for three seats. Councilmen Eugene Tewalt and Jacob Meza, as well as William Sealock Jr., a member of the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Board of Directors, garnered the most votes.

Candidates Mike McCool and Robert Tennett Jr. came in fourth and fifth, respectively.  If the panel decided to appoint the candidate who came in fourth place in the November election, McCool would fill the seat.

Mayor Hollis Tharpe said the council would meet on Monday Jan. 23 at 6:15 p.m., at the Warren County Government Center, prior to the 7:00 p.m. Front Royal Town Council meeting to discuss the nine candidates, four of whom were interviewed last week.  He said the group may or may not be ready to decide at next week’s meeting, though they hope to get someone appointed as soon as possible.