Editorial
There’s a changing of the guard this week in local government as a number of elected officials are being replaced by their successors who were successful at the polls in the November elections. As the calendar changes from 2025 to 2026, we must acknowledge the service of outgoing officials and welcome those who will be entering office.
In Buena Vista, Mayor Tyson Cooper and Council members Melvin Henson and Stanley Coffey are departing their public roles. Each has made valuable contributions in their own ways. Cooper has provided steady leadership during City Council meetings, maintaining order while letting everyone have their say. He’s presided over a period of economic growth in the city, with the most recent example being news that Modine Manufacturing is to embark on a $19.6 million expansion.
Henson, the most senior member of City Council who is completing his fourth four-year term after having worked 33 ½ years in the city’s public works department, has institutional knowledge of the city’s infrastructure that has proven invaluable. He’s also known for being one of Buena Vista’s biggest boosters. Coffey has a penchant for speaking his mind and has always striven to be responsive to the concerns of citizens.
In Rockbridge County, Dan Lyons is completing his second four-year term as the Kerrs Creek representative on the Board of Supervisors. Lyons, whose career was spent in public education, including being superintendent of Lexington city schools, brought to his role of supervisor a broad array of knowledge and a demeanor well suited to serving the public. We admire his wellreasoned, balanced approach to decision-making.
In Lexington, retiring Commissioner of Revenue Karen Roundy is leaving behind nearly half-a-century of service to the city, including the past 24 years as commissioner. She has always been courteous to the public she serves and is known for her competence and efficiency in how she carries out the responsibilities of her office.
Although he’s been serving in this role for nearly a year now, Rockbridge County and Lexington Sheriff Tony McFaddin begins his official tenure, having been elected in his own right so that “interim” can be removed from his title. A seasoned law enforcement officer with a wealth of experience, McFaddin is known for running a tight ship and staying on top of all of the responsibilities and functions of his office.
We welcome to office tomorrow, New Year’s Day, Buena Vista Mayor Jesse Fitzgerald, Buena Vista City Council members Stephanie Noel-Branch and Amy Gilliam, Buena Vista School Board members Ray Gilbert and Charles Jolley, Kerrs Creek Supervisor Steve Hart and Lexington Commissioner of Revenue Kelly Glass. We wish for each of them success in fulfilling the responsibilities of their offices.
All three of the Rockbridge area’s representatives in the Virginia General Assembly were returned to office in the November elections, but one is heading back to Richmond with a new name. Del. Ellen Campbell is now Del. Ellen McLaughlin, having recently gotten married. We congratulate her and wish her well.
Tomorrow starts a new year and we hope for the best for both those who are entering public service and leaving it behind. Happy New Year’s, everyone!
