THIS ARTICLE IS COMMENTARY AND PUBLISHED IN OUR COLUMNS SECTION.
Weekly YouTube show dives into various issues, sites and events in the Page Valley
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Sept. 24 — This week we once again turn our focus to local politics as we host the third in a series of four candidate forums for contested races in this fall’s election, with the race for the chairman of the Page County Board of Supervisors. We sit down with candidates Jared Burner and Clifton “Bucky” Thomas to talk about their qualifications for the office and their views on key issues facing Page County.
(Page Valley Livin’ ~ Episode 87 was recorded Monday, Sept. 22, and aired Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025).
Coming up on Page Valley Livin’… we will be hosting a fourth candidate forum added to the schedule for the District 1 School Board race among two write-in candidates, right after we visit the “White House” next week to see how restoration is going on one of Page County’s oldest structures next to the Shenandoah River.
The aim and purpose of these videos is to provide more information about more things that make up the wonderful place we call the Page Valley of Virginia. Serious issues will be handled seriously, while lighter issues may offer more opportunity to have some fun. There is no theme or agenda other than promoting the Page Valley, and trying to better inform the people who both live here and those who love to visit.
If you have suggestions for future shows or other recommendations, comment below…or comment on our videos on YouTube. If you like even a portion of what you see, please don’t forget to hit “Like” and Share the video, and smash that “Subscribe” button on our YouTube channel.
I wish to thank Jared Burner for his continued involvement with the county to make it a better place.
He, and the Planning Commission, were pivotal in protecting the county from a massive (500 acre) solar factory on 340 N. The planning commission looked closely at the application (submitted twice). They developed conditions under which they would consider it. This was very important. Counties that just said “no” or were careless all got sued, and ended up with a lot of solar factories.
In the end, the solar company could not legally fight the conditions–things like setbacks, designation of the solar panels as permanent structures that required the same storm water management as buildings (later implemented statewide)–website legally defensible and protected the county.
In the end, the solar company walked away.
I believe only one other county in Virginia was successful in this.
We all owe a lot to the Planning Commission, under Mr. Burner’s leadership, in developing the Comprehensive Plan to guide land use in the county. The Planning Commission also welcomes community involvement and listens to the needs of the community.
I wish to thank Jared Burner for his continued involvement with the county to make it a better place.
He, and the Planning Commission, were pivotal in protecting the county from a massive (500 acre) solar factory on 340 N. The planning commission looked closely at the application (submitted twice). They developed conditions under which they would consider it. This was very important. Counties that just said “no” or were careless all got sued, and ended up with a lot of solar factories.
In the end, the solar company could not legally fight the conditions–things like setbacks, designation of the solar panels as permanent structures that required the same storm water management as buildings (later implemented statewide)–website legally defensible and protected the county.
In the end, the solar company walked away.
I believe only one other county in Virginia was successful in this.
We all owe a lot to the Planning Commission, under Mr. Burner’s leadership, in developing the Comprehensive Plan to guide land use in the county. The Planning Commission also welcomes community involvement and listens to the needs of the community.