Warren County Report

Both Blanton, who chose not to run after being appointed to fill the seat of South River Supervisor Scott Weinberg, who left the area last year, and defeated North River incumbent Ron Llewellyn expressed gratitude to their fellow board members and the public in farewell statements on Dec. 18.

Traczyk also expressed gratitude to the incumbent board for their hard work. Later he reflected on that work and the challenges of coming years.

“I am proud of the accomplishments this Board has made over the past few years. They are monumental in nature and will have more long-term impact on this community than anything in the recent memory of Warren County. I think we have accomplished most of the goals I set as an elected official four years ago. We have new schools and the entire school system has improved tenfold. We have a new stadium that is the pride of the Valley, many new additions to the park system, the list of accomplishments goes on and on.

“This Board has supported and assisted in developing the 522 corridor with new businesses so we can now shop at home and yes, collect taxes from those endeavors to pay for Capital improvements and infrastructure work for the betterment of all of us. We supported Fire and Rescue, and Law Enforcement. One has only to read the papers about those success stories.

“The facts are; taxes are one of the lowest in the area, the growth rate has stayed within the comprehensive plan and currently is the lowest in recent memory. The County finances are sound and we have one of the best bond ratings a County can obtain to back up that claim. This Board leaves the County in extremely sound financial shape: a low taxes rate, a low growth rate, a growing tax base that does not depend upon property taxes, a sound school system, again, the list goes on and on.

“I want to thank the Staff and especially this Board for supporting me as Chair for the past two years through some difficult times and good times. To those leaving the Board, they should hold their head up high and be proud of the our accomplishments serving the people of this community.  Those of us that stay, 2008 will have new challenges and we will persevere and move on.  Changes in the political world are inevitable and part of the landscape.”

Traczyk then turned his gaze forward.

“I feel 2008 will be an exciting year. We will see the U.S. 522 commercial corridor mature. Construction of the two major shopping centers will be completed and open for business, adding a strong tax base for our community, leading to a year that we will not need to raise taxes. Other approved shopping centers and convenience stores will start construction and be completed late in 2008 and ‘09. I feel we will see a slow down of the industrial development segment for a number of reasons, as available land becomes an issue and the business climate cools in the next year.

“I see an increasing demand upon the county with regards to available office space as the county grows. Health Services, Social Services, Sheriffs Dept, School Board, and the court system are all asking for more work space. We have completed our 20-Year Capital Improvement Plan and 2008 will bring those issues to a head where priorities and funding will be addressed.

“I see the town and county renewing relationships as the need is so important to work together. I see a framework being developed over time that will enable meaningful discussions to take place. This will take time and a concerted effort, but it can be done. The town needs to be part of the SRI program and finalize its Comprehensive Plan so we can move forward collectively.

“I feel the new Board will be more conservative in its approach to growth, taxes, and only time will tell how close the Comprehensive Plan will be adhered to. I suspect the new Board members will have an agenda as we all did when first elected.

“I feel we all will agree on continuing to support the School 20-Year Facilities Plan, which will enable the renovation of the old high school to begin in 2008.

“I see housing construction remaining at an all time low, as prices are out of reach for many.  I predict some local builders will have serious financial issues unless they planned for this situation. I feel it will turn around but not for several years.

“The coming year will be a challenge, as they all are, but if the county board works together as it has in the past, we will continue to keep and maintain all the positive reasons people move to and live in Warren County and Front Royal.”

Perhaps sensing the political winds of change blowing through the halls of the Warren County Government Center, Traczyk concluded by announcing he will not seek a third consecutive term as chairman.

“After discussing the issue, I have decided not to pursue the chairman’s position in 2008. I have had great moments in my life and being chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors and serving the people of Front Royal and Warren County the past two years is at the top of the list.”