The Shadow
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, VA (Virginian Review) — The much-anticipated debate between candidates for local government positions in Covington, Clifton Forge, and the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools School Board is set to take place tonight at the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge. The event, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 3, promises an engaging evening of discussion and public discourse as voters prepare to cast their ballots.
The event will kick off with a Pre-Debate discussion from our panel of community experts at 5:45pm, with the opening ceremonies commencing at 6 p.m. The host for the evening is Tripp Curry, Director of Ceremonies at MenNefer in Low Moor. The presentation of the flag will be led by the American Legion Covington Post 4 Commander James Wallace and Freddy Barnett, Adjutant. Following the flag presentation, they will lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. There will be a brief presentation on the Wall that Heals, bringing a moment of patriotism and unity to the evening’s proceedings.
The debate, organized in a traditional format, will provide council candidates from Covington and Clifton Forge, and candidates for the Alleghany Highlands School Board an opportunity to present their platforms, share their visions, and debate key issues facing the community. Moderated by retired Chief of Police and Covington native AJ Panebianco, the event will focus on issues ranging from education and infrastructure to economic development and public safety.
All questions presented to each candidate have been asked directly by the voters in the recent Virginian Questionnaire. In addition to those questions, the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the candidates during the event.
The event order will be:
5:45pm — Panel discussion and livestream
6pm — American Legion Flag Presentation, Wall that Heals
6:10pm — Clifton Forge Candidate debate
6:45pm — Covington Candidate Debate
7:20pm — School Board debate
In the race for Clifton Forge Town Council, three candidates will face off for two available seats:
• Jeffrey A. Irvine (Incumbent) — Irvine is defending his seat on the council.
• Michael L. Foster (Challenger) — Foster is running as another challenger for one of the two seats available.
• Carl T. Wolfe, Jr. (Challenger) — Wolfe is seeking to unseat one of the current members of the council.
Covington’s City Council elections are hotly contested, with candidates running in several districts:
• Raymond C. Hunter (Incumbent, District 3) — Hunter is defending his seat.
• Lee G. Roe (Challenger, District 3) — Roe is seeking to challenge the incumbent.
• Thomas H. “Tom” Sibold Jr. (Incumbent, District 4) — Sibold is running for reelection.
• Susan S. Wolfe (Challenger, District 4) — Wolfe is running against Sibold.
• David S. Crosier (Incumbent, District 5) — Crosier is defending his seat.
• Susan S. Crowder (Challenger, District 5) — Crowder is challenging Crosier for his seat.
The Alleghany Highlands School Board race includes the following candidates:
• Jacob L. Wright (Incumbent) — Wright is defending his seat on the School Board.
• Robert J. “Bob” Umstead (Challenger) — Umstead is running against Wright for the School Board position.
• Jay Woodson (Write-in Candidate) — Woodson is running as a write-in candidate for the Covington seat previously held by Fitzpatrick.
One special feature of tonight’s debate will be a panel of community citizens that will provide commentary on the various races, the candidate’s answers, and the issues facing the Alleghany Highlands. The panel consists of moderator AJ Panebianco and local commentators Julie (JT) Stanley, retired educator and former President of Old Town Covington; Gene Mundy, retired military and management consultant; Corey Bowles, public education, foster care, and crisis prevention; and Bruce Young, Marketing Manager for the Homestead, and former WDBJ Bureau Chief for Lexington.
The panel will kick off a pre-debate discussion at 5:45 p.m., offering insights and analysis before the debate begins. During transitions between the Clifton Forge, Covington, and School Board debates, the panel will weigh in on the questions and the candidates’ responses, providing viewers and attendees with expert opinions and context throughout the event.
For those unable to attend the debate in person, the Virginian Review will provide a livestream of the entire event on their Facebook page, allowing community members to follow along from the comfort of their homes. The event will be recorded and available for viewing after the event.
Residents are encouraged to attend in person to hear directly from the candidates and learn more about their positions on important issues. The debate promises to offer voters valuable insights into the upcoming election and serve as an essential resource for making informed decisions at the polls.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good seat and participate in the Pre-event Panel discussion and the patriotic opening ceremonies.
