Trick or Treat: Will Economic Development Come at the Library’s Expense?

Item G on the Warren County Board of Supervisors’ agenda for November 5, 2025, is a request from Richard Jamieson, seeking approval for the Finance Department to begin the procurement process for economic development consulting services.

If approved, this initiative would redirect funds originally designated—with public approval—for Samuel’s Public Library. Those funds would instead support new staff positions and an economic development consultant. This reallocation signals a shift in priorities: away from continued library funding and toward speculative economic development.

Supervisors have identified seven benchmarks for this consultant’s role:

• Develop a plan of action
• Establish priorities
• Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
• Collaborate with the Town of Front Royal
• Assess the productive capacity of the Economic Development Authority (EDA)
• Define a skills profile for a future economic development director

The Central Question:

What strategic plan would you propose to initiate economic development, and which elements would a consultant view as essential to success?

A capable consultant must first understand Warren County’s current political environment and its impact on future investment. That includes how unresolved local issues may shape perception for potential businesses and residents. So far, the Warren County Board of Supervisors (WCBS) has dismissed some of these issues as irrelevant. They include:

• The Board’s conflict with and defunding of Samuel’s Public Library, against the clear wishes of county residents
• Ongoing pollution of the Shenandoah River by Christendom College, with no public action taken
• The erosion of affordable housing due to short-term rentals and weak enforcement of code compliance
• A school system with educational outcomes ranked from average to below average
• Years of neglected maintenance in county schools, with no plan in place for repairs
• The lingering impact of massive embezzlement from the former EDA still erodes public trust
• The failure to prosecute the elected or appointed officials who were indicted in connection with that scandal
• Continued refusal to form cost-saving partnerships with the Town of Front Royal
• A still-unreconciled county budget, with no explanation for delays or commitment to GAAP standards
• A county debt approaching $100 million, limiting future borrowing
• An upcoming budget cycle beginning in 30 days, with few signs of readiness
• Delayed reconciliation of the FY 2025–2026 budget, raising concerns about fiscal transparency
• The likely need to raise taxes if future boards restore library funding after this year’s redistribution
• Board infighting that has moved from professional disagreements to personal attacks
• Lack of transparency on what the EDA has accomplished in the past 12 months
• A broader question: what has the WCBS achieved in the last year?

What oversight can taxpayers expect regarding the EDA’s monitoring moving forward? Why have some board members taken firm stances on certain issues while remaining silent or evasive on others? As elected officials, a few have failed not just in policy but in basic accountability.

One of the benchmarks listed is to “identify a skills profile for an economic development director.” At this point, what is the most critical skill that a person might need?

To be a magician.

John Jenkins
Warren County, VA

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the letters published on this page are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Royal Examiner’s editorial team, its affiliates, or advertisers. The Royal Examiner does not endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any statements made by the authors. The Royal Examiner has not independently verified the statements and claims presented in the letters. Readers are encouraged to exercise their judgment and critical thinking skills when evaluating the content. Any reliance on the information in the letters is at the reader’s own risk.

While the Royal Examiner makes every effort to publish diverse opinions, it does not guarantee the publication of all received letters. The Royal Examiner reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length, and adherence to editorial guidelines. Moreover, the Royal Examiner does not assume any liability for any loss or damage incurred by readers due to the content of the letters or any subsequent actions based on these opinions.

In submitting a letter to the editor, authors grant the newspaper the right to publish, edit, reproduce, or distribute the content in print, online, or any other form.

We value our readers’ engagement and encourage open and constructive discussions on a wide range of topics. However, the Royal Examiner retains the right to reject any letter that contains offensive language, personal attacks, or violates any legal regulations. Thank you for being part of our vibrant community of readers and contributors.

We look forward to receiving your diverse perspectives on matters of interest and importance.