What has happened to Front Royal?

After retiring from our respective jobs in the Washington, D.C. area, my wife and I moved to Front Royal, living there roughly from 2001 to 2005, before gravitating to Colorado (my home state). We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Front Royal, meeting some wonderful people, enjoying the beautiful environs of the area. We only left because of my obsession to return to Colorado after a 30-year hiatus.

I always thought that Front Royal had a Mayberry tenor to it, i.e., quiet, friendly town, a haven from the fast-paced big-city life. Now, from reports I hear from friends who live in the area, it’s shocking to hear about the multi-million financial scandal that has left a former EDA executive jailed without bond, and a former sheriff dead from an apparent suicide.

This news, combined with the report that your former mayor had to resign because of prostitute solicitation, I ask what in the hell has happened? And, as a side note, I hear that the once-lovely Shenandoah has turned into a toxic body of water. This all sounds like a plot for a grade B movie, and it saddens me to no end.

I surely wish the good citizens of Front Royal can overcome these horrific incidents. You deserve better.

Jon Weimer
Denver, Colorado