Mayor’s Opening Remarks and Moment of Silence

Good evening, everyone. Before we begin tonight’s meeting, I’d like to take a moment to speak from the heart.

Our hearts in the Town of Dumfries are heavy as we mourn alongside Deputy Sheriff Joshua King and Delegate Candi Mundon King on the loss of their beloved daughter, Candis Gabriella King, who passed away at just 15 years old.

Many of us had the honor of witnessing Candis’s radiant smile and remarkable strength at our town celebrations. She embodied light, love, and resilience—touching the lives of everyone who met her. Candis fought courageously against sickle cell disease, a battle that too many families in our community face every single day. Her strength reminds us of the importance of continuing to raise awareness, support research, and stand with those who live with this condition.

On behalf of the Dumfries Town Council, our staff, and our entire community, we extend our deepest condolences to the King family. May God’s peace and comfort surround them during this unimaginable time.

A Celebration of Life for Candis will be held this Wednesday at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Triangle. We encourage those who are able to keep the family lifted in prayer and spirit as they lay their precious daughter to rest.

At this time, I ask that we all pause for a moment of silence in remembrance of Candis Gabriella King, and in support of the King family.

(paused for 15 seconds)

Thank you. May her light continue to shine through the love, faith, and unity we show one another here in Dumfries.

October 2025 Official Remarks

Good evening, everyone — Council, staff, residents, and guests. Thank you for being here tonight. As we transition into this important meeting, I want to begin by pausing to celebrate a few highlights from September and cast forward toward a strong finish to 2025.

I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and what lies ahead.

September was a month of tremendous progress and community pride here in Dumfries.

• First, I want to acknowledge the positive momentum of our local businesses — especially Wawa Dumfries, which is quickly becoming a local favorite and a leader in its dinner specials with that $6 hoagie, chips, and drink combo. It’s a small example, but it speaks to how Dumfries is growing into a place where residents choose to stay, spend, and support local.
• I also want to thank whoever nominated me for the Black Brilliance Award through the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. It’s an honor to even be considered among so many leaders across the state who are making an impact in business and community. I’m truly humbled and grateful for that recognition.
• Our Legacy Builders: Wills, Insurance, and Trusts program has also been a great success. Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., residents are showing up to learn how to secure their family’s future — not just for tomorrow, but for generations to come. This month, we’re diving into a powerful lesson on how to use insurance while you’re alive to create wealth and invest in your family’s future. It’s education that builds legacy — exactly what Dumfries stands for.
• I also want to thank everyone who attended our recent visioning sessions on the Waterfront and Community Center projects. Your feedback is not just appreciated — it’s instrumental. Your voices are shaping the next phase of what Dumfries will look like and how we grow together.

And as we step into October, we have a very special moment ahead — our Waterfront Key Ceremony. This event will mark the official beginning of a historic chapter for Dumfries. I invite every resident, business owner, and community partner to come out and see where we are starting, and to share in this milestone that’s been decades in the making.

Food for Thought — Finishing the Year Strong

As we enter the fourth quarter of 2025, I want to leave us with a simple reflection:

What type of energy are we giving as individuals in this final stretch of the year?

Every quarter tells a story, and the fourth quarter is where we either coast — or we commit. This is our moment to elevate, to lean in, and to solidify the gains we’ve worked for all year.

Your time, your effort, your presence — they all carry value. Let’s invest that energy wisely. Let’s finish this year with intention, gratitude, and focus — so that when we cross into 2026, we do so with momentum and pride in how far we’ve come together.

Thank you, Dumfries — for believing, building, and becoming. The best is still ahead.