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Elaine Walker: A Mayor's Mayor

By Ben Weber

Holding back tears and listening to Chairman Scott York at a recent COLT (Coalition of Loudoun Towns) meeting, Mayor Walker received a standing ovation from her fellow elected officials and friends after stating that she would not seek another term as Mayor of Lovettsville. Since 1990, she has served as Mayor of the small town in northern Loudoun, and even longer, since 1980, as Council member and civic leader. Elaine Walker was more than just a Mayor, she was, and is, a dedicated friend and servant of Lovettsville.

Before a meeting of the Lovettsville Town Council on January 26th, Walker presented a letter to each Council member stating her intentions. In the short, but powerful letter, she stated that it has been an honor to serve and that she will continue to serve in whatever capacity that would be best for the town and its residents. When asked by the Gazette if she would serve on committees or as a consultant, she said that if asked, she would gladly serve. When asked the reasons for her departure, she was quick to state, "it is not because I would be facing another opponent in May, I won my last election with 2/3 of the vote and I would win again in 2012!" she said with a quiet power that Walker was known for when representing her town. Pressed for a reason, she would only say, "it is time."
In 2011, Walker suffered a major medical set back. While it resulted in several days at Inova's Lansdowne Hospital, she took full advantage of her time in the hospital to not only recover, but to press Inova to speed up the future Inova Urgent Care Center in the heart of Lovettsville. "I have until June to get Inova's new office operational, they are committed to the project and we will be grateful as a community to have it open..sooner rather than later" she stated.

When asked about what she is most proud of during her long tenure, she was quick to point out all the friends, both personal and professional, that she has made over the years and the level of community spirit that surrounds Lovettsville. One friend is Mayor Bob Lazaro of Purcellville who said, "Elaine has been a great leader for the community and leaves a wonderful legacy for the town she so loves". She went on to say that the upgrading of the Water and Sewer System was also a major accomplishment. While the accomplishment is not something that is easily seen by most, Walker said that through negotiations, the Town was able to obtain, four new wells, two above ground storage facilities and treatment facilities at zero cost to the town. With help from long time Lovettsville supporter and then town lawyer, Sen. Mark Herring, he and Walker were able to secure a 20 year, $3.5 million loan at zero interest to allow the Elm Street development to build out the new water facilities for the entire town, an upgrade that, according to Walker, not only benefits all at zero cost, but will continue to benefit Lovettsville for generations to come. "Before the new facility was online, we were working under DEQ restrictions, with only three wells, one of which contained heavy iron content and the other two that produced little, Lovettsville had no choice but to improve, not only because it was required, but for the long term health and viability of the community."

Other areas of pride for her is the new 92 acre park east of town, the progress of the new sidewalk along Broad Street, the planned Bike Path, a proposed Dog Park on seven acres of land she helped obtain for the town at no cost as well as the most recent additions, the Town Square and future Center and the Veterans' Memorial. "There are so many folks to thank, from Elm Street for providing the square to the Lovettville Ruritan Club for getting the first flag pole in the ground. The Town Square is the ideal location for the new Veterans' Memorial. The memorial is not only beautiful, but helps showcase Lovettsville and all its supporters in supporting those who served" said Walker in an earlier interview.

Although no longer seeking public office, she did offer a few comments for the next Mayor of Lovettsville, whoever they may be. "The next Mayor and Council will be faced with many challenges, including the coordination of working with 33 property owners over the new proposed sidewalk from the Community Center to the town houses. It will require lots of discussion and a sense of community pride to complete this project" Walker stated. She also stated that although she will not see the final completion of the commercial development at the Town Center during her term, she did state that Elm Street and NV Retail have had movement and expects a big announcement in the coming weeks. When asked for more details, she would only say, "2012 may be a great year for Lovettsville!"
As to her first task after turning over the office of Mayor later this year, she stated that Lovettsville's Oktoberfest is always around the corner, of which she was one of the first organizers, and that she wants to help organize and document Lovettsville's rich history. Laughing, she said, "I remember when the Town Office got its first typewriter. Tom Kaine, the Town Recorder, used to keep minutes by hand." Cliff Walker, her husband and distinguished WWII veteran, do not plan on leaving the area and both continue to offer new residents, young and old, a deep rich history of western Loudoun and Lovettsville.

At the conclusion of the interview, the Gazette again asked, "you stated, you would do anything to support and help Lovettsville," to which she said, "Yes, but not as Mayor" answering this reporter's next answer in advance. While Mayor Walker still believes much has been accomplished, there is still much more to do. While not as Mayor, perhaps then as Lovettsville's Official Ambassador? u