Town Talk
Town Talk: A conversation with Michael Graham, Former Front Royal Town Manager
In this Town Talk, our publisher Mike McCool speaks with Michael Graham, former Front Royal Town Manager. With the Town Council still searching for a new Town Manager, the Royal Examiner reached out to Michael to give us how the process he went through when he was selected as the Town Manager.
Michael also describes the duties and responsibilities the Town Manager has and the type of person that should be considered.
“I have great respect for city/town managers and County administrators who have longevity in these particular jobs. It takes a lot of skills. I have quite great admiration for the public service people that serve our community. And if you ask me if would do it over again, I would,” said Graham.
“What I learned during that process was there’s a couple of things that are happening. Number one, the revenue system in our community is antiquated because the way we drive our community is through economic growth. If you do not have economic growth, then you are really in bad shape because you can’t generate enough revenues through increasing residential taxes to cover the operational cost and provide the capital improvements on the infrastructure that you need. If you do not have economic growth, then your community is going to face some real challenges.”
The Royal Examiner has asked Graham to interview the candidates for Mayor and Town Council in the upcoming election. We will invite all the candidates and hopefully, they will accept our invitation. Michael will have a conversation with each candidate, and we think that with his experience as a Town Manager, he will be able to bring out the strengths of each candidate and give the voters information to make a wise choice at the ballot box.
Graham said, “I’ll be fair and balanced. We will send out about 20 issues that we have identified over the last two, three years that we have to face as a community. My plan is to have the candidates pick out five issues facing our community in the 1st interview with the hope that they return for a second interview later in October to address 5 new issues not covered in the 1st interview. It is not my intent for anybody to look bad but to allow the candidates to share their possible solutions to the problems facing our community. No national issues, topics will be based on local issues only”
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. If you have an idea, topic, or want to hear from someone in our community, let us know. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com
Here is the preliminary list of topics, real issues facing the Town of Front Royal:
- Should the existing Council hire a new Town Manager before the election?
- Is a Water strategy for future residential and industrial support important?
- How would you solve the Town police department building payment situation?
- Would you continue the lawsuit with the EDA?
- Do you agree with the current Town Manager and Council in their handling of the Advance spending of the care money from the Federal Government and not willing to provide justified spending to County first round?
- How would you handle the impact to the public of the no-show resume of qualifications for hiring temp town manager along with salary justification?
- Recently there was a personal attack by the staff of citizen input in public. How would you handle this situation?
- Do support the firing of staff and dept elimination by an interim Town Manager?
- What are your plans to grow tourism?
- What are your plans to attract new businesses to our community?
- Do you have a plan to turn the rental property situation into first-time homeowners?
- What is the role of our enterprise departments (i.e. Electric, water/sewer/trash) as relates to capital spending on infrastructure vs general funds?
- The enterprise fund reserves and the general fund have been dramatically reduced over the last several years. What are your thoughts on the enterprise zones, and should the Town rely on the venue to balance the town general fund?
- What are the critical components in attracting business to the community and new families?
- How are you going to build a relationship with the county?
- Are you satisfied with the interim Town Manager performance?
- Do you support a town EDA?
- What is your vision of what our community will look like in the next 10 years?
Do you have a topic to add? Send to news@RoyalExaminer.com
Town Talk
Town Talk: A conversation with Robert Hupman – Hazard Mill Farm Events
In this Town Talk, our publisher Mike McCool speaks with Robert Hupman about upcoming events at the Hazard Mill Farm. Robert is hosting several events soon at his Farm. The first one is Saturday, October 16, 2021. It is a fundraising event for Tyson Brown.
The farm is located at 1481 hazard mill rd Bentonville, VA 22610
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. If you have an idea, topic, or want to hear from someone in our community, let us know. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com
Community Events
Town Talk: A conversation with Roxanne Bauserman – Zombie Walk 2021 – are you ready for this year’s invasion?
In this Town Talk, Roxanne Bauserman joined Mike McCool in the Royal Examiner studio to discuss the 9th Annual Zombie Walk.
Every year about this time, Zombies make their way into our town. This year they are scheduled to appear on October 23, 2021. They seem to first gather at Bing Crosby Stadium at 6 pm, and then make their way down Royal Avenue, to Main Street and end up at the ‘BooMuseum” (Virginia Beer Museum will be converted to a haunted house), across from the gazebo area off of Main Street.
Music this year will be provided by Shae Park and the River Driven Band.
Mark Williams of the National Media Services graphics department designed a killer 2021 zombie t-shirt. Zombie shirts will be available through our T-shirt store or at C&C Frozen Treats on Main Street. Proceeds help support the Humane Society of Warren County.
Check-in with the Zombie Walk Facebook page for details about how to enter this year: facebook.com/fr.zombiewalk.
Put on your best zombie costume and practice your best shambling limp, because it’s time for the annual FRONT ROYAL ZOMBIE WALK!
The Walk will begin at Bing Crosby Stadium at 6 pm sharp. Don’t want to participate in the Walk? Come on down and watch the parade of zombies go by, and enjoy the festivities because it’s definitely a sight to see. This is one town community event you don’t want to miss!
Please invite/share this event with your friends so we can make this the BIGGEST and BEST one yet! If you haven’t liked our page yet, please do so you can keep up to date on all the latest news: https://www.facebook.com/fr.zombiewalk
This is a FREE event, but we are asking EVERYONE TO PLEASE BRING A DONATION (money or product, a wish list will be posted on the Facebook page as it gets closer to the actual event) to The Humane Society of Warren County. They will be set up at the beginning and end of the walk to collect your donations for your convenience. Thank you in advance!
Town Talk
Town Talk: A conversation with Annie Guttierrez – Get your dancing shoes on!
In this Town Talk, our publisher Mike McCool speaks with Annie Guttierrez from the Jig n’ Jive Dance Studio.
This Saturday, October 9, 2021, the 14-piece Silver Tones Swing Band comes to Front Royal. This is a fundraiser for the Front Royal Pregnancy Center in Front Royal.
The dance will be held at the New Hope Bible Church, which has a suspended wood floor and lots of room to spread out and dance, or just sit and enjoy the music. All ticket sales will be at the door, an evening of dancing and good music for only $15 per person. Cash or check, please. And it’s for a great cause.
You don’t dance? A free dance lesson with instructor Annie Guttierrez will start at 6:30 pm, or just come and listen to this great band. It will be fun.
Concessions will be available by donation. Black and white attire is encouraged!
Get your dancing shoes on!
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. If you have an idea, topic, or want to hear from someone in our community, let us know. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com
More about the Front Royal Pregnancy Center
Are you wondering if you are really pregnant? Are you anxious about what to do next? An unplanned or unexpected pregnancy is challenging. You may be feeling overwhelmed but we can help you find answers to your questions about all your options. One of our caring counselors can walk you through all the information you need to make a truly informed decision.
If you have questions about pregnancy, your rights as a pregnant teen, abortion procedures, adoption, parenting, or sexually transmitted infections, we are here for you!
We offer ultrasound at no cost by a qualified medical professional to ensure that you receive all the assistance you need before you make a decision. Click here to learn more about the information an ultrasound exam will provide for you.
We are here to listen to your concerns. All of our services are confidential and free of charge. Our services are available regardless of income, race, religion, county of residence, or residence status.
Town Talk
Town Talk: A conversation with Tana Hoffman & Kimberly Lynch – Phoenix Project – 6th Annual Wine Pull
In this Town Talk, our publisher Mike McCool speaks with Tana Hoffman, President of the Phoenix Project and Volunteer Kimberly Lynch about the 6th Annual Wine Pull.
The 6th Annual Wine Pull gets underway on October 14, 2021, at the Front Royal Golf Club. This event is to benefit the Phoenix Project. The Phoenix Project is to ensuring freedom from all forms of domestic violence through empowerment, education, and community.
Tickets to the event are available at the Phoenix Project office at 222 S. Royal Avenue in Front Royal. Also available online at here.
It all starts on the 14th at 6 pm. Tickets are $45.
This year every person who purchases a ticket will also get a hand-painted wine glass, a glass of wine, and a bottle of wine or wine-tasting certificate. There will be basket raffles too.
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. If you have an idea, topic, or want to hear from someone in our community, let us know. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com
Town Talk
Town Talk: A conversation with Lori Oaks, Front Royal Light Fight
In this Town Talk, we’ll have a conversation with Lori Oaks. Lori has started a new community event called ‘Lori Loves Homes Front Royal Light Fight’. If you have ever watched Christmas Vacation, you’ll understand the concept.
This event is open to all Warren County residents. This event blossomed from Lori Oak’s love for her Warren County community and her desire to create an annual event that all could look forward to.
Participating in this event couldn’t be easier! Simply decorate your home with as much Christmas spirit as possible, sign and return your Waiver of Liability, take photos of your home, submit the photos to be entered, and wait until December 31st when our CASH prize winners will be announced. All voting will take place online, and there will be first, second, and third place winnings selected by our judges, as well as a fan favorite selected by… well you!
Judges picks:
1st place – $1,000
2nd place – $500
3rd place – $300
Fan favorite – $500
Stay tuned for specific timelines to be announced, more information on our generous sponsors, and other fun community events involving the Front Royal Light Fight! More information on her website.
The Front Royal Light Fight is all made possible by its wonderful sponsors; Green to Ground Electrical, LLC, Compass West Realty, LLC, Royal Examiner, National Media Services, Inc., Clatterbuck Home Inspections, LLC, 3 Dave’s Moving and Storage, The Apple House, Finance of America Mortgage, Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing Co., Nicholls Construction, Inc. Quality Title, LLC, and C&C Frozen Treats. All of these businesses are staple parts of this community and bring so much value to our daily lives. Thank you!
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. If you have an idea, topic, or want to hear from someone in our community, let us know. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com
Town Talk
Town Talk: A conversation with Lt. Robbie Seal & Matt Huff – Guns & Hoses Softball Game September 25, 2021
In this Town Talk, we’ll have a conversation with Lt. Robbie Seal from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Matt Huff.
On September 25, 2021, at noon, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Front Royal Police Department, and the Warren County Fire and Rescue will be playing in the 1st Annual Guns & Hoses Softball Tournament.
Come out and show your support for local veterans, and local law enforcement, and EMS. This is a charity softball game. This is a charity softball game. Money raised will go to Skip Rogers at Able Forces, to help local veterans. We will have some special things for fans in attendance. Also, T-Shirts with the game logo will be available for purchase! Wear it and show your support.
They’ll be a food truck serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos, chips, and more.
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. If you have an idea, topic, or want to hear from someone in our community, let us know. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com
