MOUNT JACKSON, Va. (WHSV) – Six candidates are running for Mount Jackson Town Council in the Nov. 3 general election. Voters can select up to three candidates for the town’s open council seats.
The candidates are Devin Ross, Todd Holtzman, Michael Cain, Robert Fry, Kyle Kennedy and Kay Pool Whetzel.
Devin Ross
Devin Ross is running for Mount Jackson Town Council for the first time, saying she wants to represent everyday residents and ensure their concerns are heard.
Ross said her priorities include improving neighborhood safety, reinstating a neighborhood watch program and establishing term limits for council members and the mayor.
Ross wants to add stop signs in busier neighborhoods, install crosswalks and improve pedestrian safety. Ross also said rebuilding trust between residents and local government is a key goal.
Ross said she has attended Town Council meetings for more than a year and a half and regularly speaks during public comment to advocate for residents.
“I want them to feel safe when they come in there, and I also want them to have support when they come in there,” Ross said, “Know, ‘hey, I’m listening.’ I’m listening to what you’re saying. And that has been something I’ve been fighting for for a year and a half.”
Ross grew up in Mount Jackson, graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1997 and worked as a school cafeteria employee for five years. She said she wants to ensure residents’ needs come first if elected.
Todd Holtzman
Todd Holtzman is seeking a sixth term on Mount Jackson Town Council. He first joined the council in 1998 at age 21 and has served a total of 20 years.
Holtzman said his experience working with town staff has helped him contribute to Mount Jackson’s development and business community.
“It’s been a great experience to work with the town staff and to focus on Mount Jackson’s appeal,” Holtzman said. He added that he wants the town to be “open for business and business-friendly” while remaining a beautiful place to live and work.
Holtzman said his care for Mount Jackson and his desire to continue contributing to the community motivate him to run for another term.
His priorities include fiscal oversight and continued beautification efforts. He said he believes the town is moving in a positive direction and wants to maintain that progress while supporting local businesses and keeping Mount Jackson welcoming for residents and visitors.
Michael E. Cain
Michael E. Cain is running for Mount Jackson Town Council, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, transparency and infrastructure improvements.
Cain said he wants to ensure taxpayer money is handled responsibly and that residents understand how the town is operating. He also identified sidewalks, crosswalks and curbs as areas that could improve infrastructure and safety.
Cain described himself as someone who relies on research and information before making decisions.
“I am very much a fact-driven person. I like to understand all of the sides of a story before I make a decision on anything,” Cain said. “I do not make decisions based on emotions — very fact-focused, very fact-driven. Data driven decisions are the best decisions you can make.”
Cain said his approach to serving on council would focus on making informed decisions that benefit the community. His priorities center on responsible financial management, keeping residents informed and addressing infrastructure needs in Mount Jackson.
Robert A. Frye
Robert A. Frye is running for Mount Jackson Town Council, bringing a family history in the area that spans nine generations.
“I wanted to provide a choice for town citizens,” Frye said. “I’ve been in the Mount Jackson area for nine generations on both sides of the family, so, I am aware of a lot of the problems and the potential solutions.”
Frye said his priorities include addressing potential conflicts of interest, reviewing the town’s zoning committee and preserving Mount Jackson’s history. He also wants to support small businesses and strengthen the local economy.
Frye previously owned an antique and floral business in the 1990s and said he plans to reopen a business. He also discussed the importance of revitalization efforts and The Nest business incubation center as part of supporting Mount Jackson’s business community.
Frye said his familiarity with the area and its challenges motivates him to seek a seat on the council.
Kyle B. Kennedy
Kyle B. Kennedy is running for Mount Jackson Town Council after being appointed to fill a vacancy earlier this year. He said he wants to continue serving residents and improve transparency in local government.
Kennedy said his priorities include responsible spending, supporting local businesses and increasing inclusion for the town’s Hispanic and Latino community. He also wants to help bridge divisions among residents, he said.
Kennedy proposed creating a forum where residents could discuss concerns about town spending and review financial data.
“I’d honestly like some kind of forum or way to sit down with the residents that have those concerns — maybe understand those concerns better, but also kind of dig into those numbers and compare them to long-term numbers, other towns and things like that,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said he also wants to bring back the King Street farmers market and make town announcements available in Spanish. Kennedy said he hopes to help local Latino business owners feel more confident starting businesses and find ways to better support residents.
Kay Pool Whetzel
WHSV tried to contact Whetzel several times for an interview, but did not receive a response.
Copyright 2026 WHSV. All rights reserved.
