Moorefield will hold its municipal General Election on June 10, 2025. Among those on the ballot are seven candidates vying for two Town Council seats. This is the sixth in a series of conversations with all seven candidates, each of whom was given the same set of questions, and the same deadline in which to respond. Candidates were asked to keep their responses to 3-5 sentences. Today we talk with Jim Trommatter. Responses have been lightly edited for brevity.
Moorefield Examiner (ME): Please provide a brief personal statement about your candidacy, priorities and vision for the Town of Moorefield.
Jim Trommatter: I seek a council position as I believe my several decades of experience in federal security and mid-level management may be of utility to both the council and the town, offering a “fresh” approach that is not beholding to preexisting optics. My priority would always be the Town first closely followed by my being open and available to all concerns; I submit that should be any citizen representative’s base line. My current (and likely evolving) vision of Moorefield is one of awe and a suspicion that some may not see how well we have it here: good people, low crime and low expenses, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery one can hope for. My vision is to hold that line and be open to ideas that may create stability and improvement.
ME: What initiative, program, project, or issue (infrastructure, public safety/services, economic development, etc.) would you spearhead if elected?
Trommatter: It appears to me that Moorefield has done an excellent job managing infrastructure, safety and services with the resources that are available. I would not wish to detract from those successes. I am curious as to how we can diversify and expand on economic development (while simultaneously not adversely impacting the town “vibe” to use a worn vernacular). I suspect I would look for a means to make our Town Square more accessible with more community events and perhaps review the processes of our Historical Landmarks Commission; seeking avenues of potential improvement there.
ME: Given recent controversies involving the Moorefield Police Department, how would you work to enhance transparency and accountability in town government and strengthen public trust in the Council and local law enforcement?
Trommatter: I believe much of the controversy is driven by the legal advice to city council advocating they not discuss such issues in a public forum. As such, I (and nearly everyone else) have not been privy to discussions and evidence presented at executive sessions nor appeals. The key is that transparency. I agree that personnel issues (particularly open adverse actions) require legal diligence and privacy, but once investigation and appeal processes are concluded, a final report/summary being made available to the public based on those proceedings should address both transparency and accountably.
ME: What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing Moorefield and its residents and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Trommatter: I offer we appear to be more divisive recently, too quick to cast dispersions rather than discuss issues and working to maintain productive decorum in this quaint and lovely community. This may not be the most visible issue facing our town, but I offer it may be the genesis for many such discord or issues. I intend to ensure all my decisions and efforts will always be fact based, pro-Moorefield and above reproach.
ME: The Council is just finishing/just finished its budgeting for FY 2025/26. How would you prioritize budgeting and balancing public safety needs with other municipal responsibilities such as cultural and recreational activities; public works and infrastructure; and economic development?
Trommatter: As to prioritization: First is always Public Safety followed very closely with Public Works and Infrastructure. I would place Economic Development next with Culture and Recreation at fourth place. Reviewing the 2025/2026 Estimated Expenditures indicates that the Town appears to nearly follow that delineation, though one needs to aggregate items (such as Development Authority, Planning and Zoning, Visitor Bureau et al) as Economic Development in nature though the budget numbers may actually be fourth place vice the third tier I proffer.
