The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — A circuit court judge has appointed Stephen Allen Tucker to fill Covington’s vacant District 2 council seat, ending weeks of uncertainty after the death of Mayor Fred F. Forbes III and the City Council’s inability to agree on an interim replacement.
In an order dated May 5, Alleghany County Circuit Court Judge Edward K. Stein granted a petition filed on behalf of Covington City Council by attorney Mark C. Popovich. The order notes that the vacancy resulted from Forbes’ “untimely passing” and from “the failure of a majority of City Council to appoint an interim appointee” as required under state law.
The court found that Tucker is a qualified voter residing in Election District 2 and ordered that he be appointed to serve the remainder of Forbes’ term, which expires Dec. 31, 2026.
City Manager Alan Dressler read the order into the record during Tuesday night’s council meeting, emphasizing that Tucker’s appointment allows the city to move forward with key decisions, including the upcoming 2026–27 budget presentation and the selection of a new vice mayor.
The choice of Tucker by the court stands in contrast to the individuals who had previously applied directly to City Council for the vacant seat. Council petitioned the court under Section 24.2-228(A) of the Code of Virginia, to make the appointment.
Tucker’s appointment restores a full council as the city continues to recover from the loss of Forbes, who died March 14. Earlier in the meeting, council held a moment of silence and a memorial ceremony honoring Forbes’ service. A proclamation from the City of Covington recognized his rise from council member to vice mayor and ultimately mayor, as well as his advocacy for “fallen officers’ day,” his support for recovery court initiatives and his reputation for straightforward, respectful leadership.
Council also received notice of a separate proclamation in Forbes’ memory from the Virginia House of Delegates and a resolution from the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors, underscoring his regional impact.
Beyond the appointment and memorial, the meeting included several items with long- term implications for city and county residents:
Public safety recognition: Police and fire officials presented awards to Sgt. Christopher Spraker of the Covington Division of Police and volunteer firefighter Shane Byer for their roles in rescuing a resident from a smoke-filled home during a March 26 structure fire. Officials said their quick action likely saved the man’s life.
Social services funding: The Department of Social Services reported that an additional $927,657.91 in state-matched CSA funds will be needed through June 30 to cover foster care and related services. The city’s share is expected to be about $242,600, to be drawn from fund balance.
School capital projects: Alleghany County Public Schools officials outlined three capital projects totaling more than $800,000, including sewer line repairs at Alleghany High School, asbestos abatement at Callahan and drainage improvements tied to athletic facilities. All will be funded with existing school andstate construction funds, not new local dollars.
Employee bonuses: School leaders also informed council of a state-funded bonus plan providing $1,500 to full-time employees and $500 to part-time staff, to be paid with the June 30 paycheck.
During citizen comments, resident Gene Mundy urged council to weigh carefully a proposed water and sewer rate increase, warning that long-term population decline and lower median incomes in Covington could magnify the impact on local families.
Dressler closed his report by highlighting upcoming community events, including Kids Day at the Jackson River Sport Complex, continued downtown revitalization on Maple Avenue and ongoing regional work with Virginia Tech and neighboring localities on workforce and economic development.
With Tucker’s appointment now in place, council is expected to seat him and proceed with budget deliberations and leadership decisions at its regular May meeting.
