Decision 2024-Mayor of Luray ~ Q&A with Ron Vickers

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Page Valley News will be publishing profiles of seven local candidates in two contested town races in this fall’s general election beginning Aug. 15. These Q&As will be published around midday on Mondays and Thursdays and can be found on the “Luray” page. PVN will focus on Luray because they are the only locality in the county with contested races.

In September, PVN will be broadcasting pre-recorded debates between the candidates in these two contested races through our YouTube channel. Click on the YouTube icon in the upper right on our Home page to subscribe to our channel ahead of time.

Ron Vickers

• Age: 67
• Education: MSEd, Shenandoah University, 1996; BSEd, Industrial Arts, Virginia Tech, 1980.
• Work: Retired; Technology Education Teacher, Sherando High School, Frederick County, VA, 5 years; Luray High School, 9 years; Rappahannock County Schools, over 25 years.
• Elected office: Luray Town Council, in my 4th term with 2 years left to serve.
• Military service: Honorable discharge from USMC 1988, Combat Engineer, Rank of Sergeant.
• Community Involvement: Past president of the Virginia Technology Education & Engineering Association; served with Page County Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years; member of the Luray Ruritan Club.
• Family: Wife, Layne; four children, Clay, Joe, Carolyn, and Ben.

• Why are you running for Mayor of Luray?

I have enjoyed serving on the town council for a number of years. When I heard Jerry Dofflemyer would not seek the mayor’s job for another term, I was encouraged to run. I never thought I’d have the time to do the job while working full-time as a teacher. Upon retirement this past July, I now know I can be there for the duties required. I believe I have a lot to offer the citizens of Luray. I never got involved in this to stay for life, but I am humbled to serve. I like the challenges that come up when we try to make decisions that benefit all residents of Luray.

• What makes you the best candidate?

I have the time to regularly show up for town events. I really want to encourage more young folks to take an active role in government. Loud voices are not always so bad. I want to understand what people care about and then act on trying to improve the situation. I value open dialogue and the rule of law. I’m not bothered about the need for 6-0 votes by the council. Luray residents elect us to debate and consider local issues. I don’t go into meetings with my mind made up. I want to hear what others have to add.

• What is the most pressing issue facing the Town of Luray?

Retaining our small town culture with smart growth is important to me. We need to work together with the supervisors to attract employment opportunities. The pain and misery from drug addiction is still prevalent in our society. I fully support our law enforcement in their efforts to help these folks. And I’d like to see us do more to put together a holistic approach (with counselors and doctors) to make sure people suffering from drug addiction (and their families) get the support they need.

• What is one thing that you would like to change or improve?

I want to strive to continue to include citizens more in decisions we make. As mayor, I’d want to provide more communications of what the town is up to to the general public. We live in a beautiful place in this world and I’d love to keep it that way. I’d love for Luray to continue to become a better steward of the earth. Lots of folks agree with me that we should not waste resources.

• Briefly describe a decision you have made in a leadership role and tell why you made that decision.

In my first year at Sherando High, I decided to make our department more visible in the school. I got students to work on projects that included other classes, sponsored a teacher’s Christmas present workshop, and built an electric vehicle. This resulted in more enrollment in our electives and recognition of the value of vocational education.

Early voting starts Friday, Sept. 20

For election information visit the Page County Voter Registrar.

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