The Shadow
To the Editor,
I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment over what transpired during the Alleghany/Covington Department of Social Services Board meeting on August 25, 2025.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, I addressed the importance of selecting a capable and compassionate leader for the department during the upcoming hiring process – a statement that was respectful, measured, and focused on the well-being of our community and the families who depend on these essential services.
What followed was shocking, unacceptable, and deeply concerning. Immediately after I spoke, Director Tammy Wilson stood, crossed the room, and began aggressively approaching me from around the board table. A board member stood up and stopped her before she reached me.
Public meetings are intended to foster transparency, accountability, and respectful dialogue. Citizens should never feel threatened, intimidated, or verbally attacked for speaking up. When leadership behaves in such a manner and those tasked with oversight fail to intervene, it erodes public confidence and raises serious concerns about the integrity of the agency’s governance.
My original comments were delivered in good faith and with a sincere desire to see our community benefit from strong, ethical leadership. I urge the Board to reflect on this incident and recommit to the professionalism, integrity, and respect that the people of Alleghany and Covington deserve.
Sincerely,
Corey Bowles
Covington, Va.
Below you will find a copy of my public comments.
Members of the Alleghany/Covington Department of Social Services Board, I appreciate the opportunity to speak before you today.
As a concerned and engaged member of our community, I want to share my sincere hope that the selection process for the next Director of Alleghany/Covington Department of Social Services is taken seriously, and with clear recognition of how critical this decision is for our community. This position is far more than an administrative role — it is a lifeline for families, children, and individuals who depend on the department’s stability, compassion, and support.
Strong leadership within the Department of Social Services matters deeply — not only to the dedicated staff who serve each day, but also to the families and individuals who rely on their guidance. The Director sets the tone, shapes how services are delivered, and directly influences how effectively critical needs are met. The right leader will not only manage the department but also elevate it, fostering trust and accountability throughout the organization.
I encourage the Board to see this decision as more than just filling a position. It is an opportunity to select someone who will lead with vision, compassion, and integrity — a leader who can build trust and strengthen the department. Someone knowledgeable, but also willing to learn, to ask questions, to admit they don’t yet know, and to embrace the challenge of understanding the many complexities of social services.
Our community is counting on a Director who understands the weight of this responsibility, models transparency and stability, and supports both staff and citizens effectively. I lift all of you up in prayer as you work to choose a capable leader who will guide the department with vision, strength, and purpose.
Thank you for your dedication to making decisions that shape a stronger future for all of us.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The above comment transcription was provided by the author and has not been verified by the Virginian Review.
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