A Revival of Small-Town Civic Responsibility
Activism, Not Slacktivism and Intimidation
Warrenton has a rare mix of small-town charm and enormous potential. But we are at a crossroads. Our town risks becoming a passive bedroom community shaped by outside forces instead of by the people who live here.
To build a better future, we need a revival of civic responsibility.
We are watching a troubling return to the old “Good Ol’ Boy” style of politics that dominated Warrenton for decades. A small circle of self-appointed powerbrokers acts as kingmakers—handpicking candidates, creating special-interest LLCs to push agendas, and stacking elected and appointed seats to preserve the status quo. They fire highly competent Town Staff and run out of town the Attorney they hired - who publicly questioned their motives and actions.
Council members have even been elected unopposed. Six of the current 7 council members —Bill Semple, Paul Mooney, David McGuire, Eric Gagnon, Michelle O’Halloran, Larry Kovalik—all got into office unopposed. And look at where that has brought us.
Meanwhile, new voices stepping forward to serve are met with hostility and intimidation. How they are treated demotivates more new voices from stepping forward. They say "It's just not worth it".
The result? Slacktivism. Citizens watching from the sidelines, not participating, ignoring how the dysfunction impacts their town today and in the future.
This must change.
If Warrenton is going to thrive, citizens must re-engage—not only through our many wonderful organizations, but as individuals who care enough to act. We need a return to genuine small-town civic responsibility: people who listen, engage, solve problems, and call out and push back against the hypocrisy and dysfunction we now see on our council.
The citizens—not the dysfunctional Town Council - must set the standard for good government, strong community, and a future worthy of Warrenton.
It’s time to pay attention.
It’s time to speak up.
It’s time to act.
Because silence and apathy are exactly what some members of this council are counting on.
