A Record of Civic Engagement
This collection of testimonies documents a transformative journey from concerned resident to forensic advocate. What began as concerns evolved into a challenge to public document accessibility and a mission to mend the physical and metaphorical “cracks” in Warren County’s governance. A single citizen, armed with data and a commitment to civic pride, can shine a spotlight on the issues that matter most—from the safety of our seniors to the integrity of our public records.
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On December 13, 2022, I made my first public comment before the Board of Architectural Review. I spoke against demolishing the historic Murphy Building, advocating for civic pride and cautioning against leaving a “hole” in our downtown landscape. read more
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Before my time on the BZA, I stood before the Planning and Zoning Commission to support the new Comprehensive Plan. I championed its move toward environmental sustainability, community input, and—most importantly—its transition from a cluttered past to a clearer, actionable future. read more
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In this 2023 interview, I joined the Royal Examiner to announce a $3,500 matching grant for Samuels Public Library. Sharing my journey from Atari programming to software consulting, I highlighted the library’s vital role in bridging the community’s digital divide. read more
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I sat down with Mike McCool at the Royal Examiner to announce a new creative venture: the Front Royal LEGO User Group. From engineering complex Technic sets to fostering local collaboration, we’re building a community one brick at a time. read more
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On October 29, 2024, I was invited to the table for a joint meeting between Library Trustees and County Supervisors. This clipped record captures my direct dialogue on funding, accountability, and the complexities of the library’s private nonprofit status. read more
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In December 2024, I stood before the community to introduce myself as a new Library Trustee. I shared my background in IT and data analysis—though my nerves got the best of me when I accidentally said I joined in 2013! read more
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Returning for the second library forum, I shared the “human” side of my journey—from overcoming childhood learning disabilities to managing high-level government contracts. I addressed the “bag of rocks” comments with a record of service, philanthropy, and technical expertise. read more
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Speaking near midnight at a marathon public hearing, I went off-script to challenge a flawed county report. Using rigorous data analysis, I exposed “cherry-picked” findings, earning public praise from community leaders for providing the transparency the official report lacked. read more
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From coordinating with the Library of Virginia to digitize 19th-century newspapers to challenging the high costs of rural broadband, my February 4th testimony focused on ensuring Warren County stays connected—both to its rich history and to the modern world. read more
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I stood before the Board to challenge the “glaring holes” in rural broadband coverage and pricing. Drawing parallels to the 1936 Rural Electrification Act, I exposed how proposed low-tier speeds fail to meet modern FCC broadband standards. read more
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I strategically used the Board’s own agenda rules to challenge a restrictive public comment policy that pushes non-agenda topics to the end of the night. Beyond procedural fairness, I called for mandatory ethics training to address the risk of unauthorized recordings. read more
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I challenged the Board on unethical social media practices, including the deletion of public comments and blocking of citizens. I also successfully advocated for removing outdated, inconsistent library financial data from the County’s Comprehensive Plan to ensure all nonprofits are treated equally. read more
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I shared a personal reflection on civic pride, referencing Jeff Siegler’s “Hard to Love.” I spoke on how prioritizing finance over value has harmed our community and choked up while addressing the painful human cost of the library’s political storm. read more
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I returned to the podium to conclude my message on civic pride, describing the library as a “beacon of light.” I challenged the Board to move beyond being merely “affordable” to becoming a county that is truly livable and lovable. read more
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I performed a deep dive into the FY2026 budget, exposing a “brick wall” of transparency issues—from unsearchable image-based documents to mysterious funding cuts for fire departments and the erasure of Samuels Library from the historical fiscal record. read more
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On July 1st, the Board reached a turning point, admitting that their zoning decisions “didn’t feel quite fair.” Between debates on “Orwellian” rhetoric and my observations of the crumbling ceiling, the night highlighted the need for administrative maintenance. read more
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Following my July request for “more light,” I returned to the Board in September to find the lamp fixed—but the transparency still dim. I challenged the Board on missing minutes, un-synced calendars, and the lack of accessible financial reports. read more
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I challenged the Board on the lack of Finance Committee transparency and physical neglect at the Senior Center. While Supervisor Cullers later reported progress on the flooring issues I highlighted, the digital record remains stalled, with minutes missing since April. read more
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I exposed a significant omission in the Warren County Library Board’s official minutes: a missing motion to bypass County Code 39 in favor of state PPEA laws—a move that fundamentally changes how public bids are shielded from FOIA requests. read more
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I challenged inaccurate meeting minutes regarding the worsening Senior Center floor and presented a detailed analysis of county fuel reports. My findings sparked a Board-level discussion on improving financial oversight and developing a more robust fuel usage policy. read more
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While I thanked the Board for finally addressing Senior Center flooring, I raised alarms over “unreadable” financial reports featuring scanned physical cash and fragmented tables. The Board agreed the format was a “puzzle” and committed to reform at the December Finance meeting. read more
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I challenged the Town Council to refine “confusing” definitions for Accessory Dwelling Units and raised concerns over favoritism in housing permits. However, I also took time to praise the Town’s budget for its exceptional clarity compared to other local reports. read more
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On December 9, 2025, I stood before the Warren County Board of Supervisors to advocate for transparency in housing and public comment policy. What began as a series of technical critiques ended in a meaningful call to action for civic engagement. read more
Allegheny Library Board, May 19, 2025. Currently unavailable as of Dec 18, 2025. The Allegheny Library is attempting to regain access to its YouTube account.
Lewis Moten 