October 6, 2026
Councilman Bruce Rappaport Calls for Smart Growth
Councilman Bruce Rappaport, who is seeking a second term, told the Royal Examiner he wants growth that brings lasting jobs to Front Royal without sacrificing the town's character, water resources, or views of the Shenandoah Valley.
"I think data centers have a purpose," he said. "I don't really think they fit here in Front Royal proper, and that's been my position from the very beginning." He pointed to noise, electricity demand, and the high-voltage lines they would require across the town's view shed.
For the former Avtex site, he would rather see light manufacturing and assembly jobs that residents can build careers around. He also supports the town's search for a secondary water source.