(L to R) Dr. Ronald Goings, David Elwood, and Michael Foster are all vying for the vacant seat on Clifton Forge Town Council.

Three Candidates Vie for Unexpired Term of Clifton Forge Town Council Seat Following Resignation of Benjamin Nicely By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Clifton Forge, VA (May 12, 2026)- At this evening's regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the Clifton Forge Town Council introduced three candidates, all of whom have submitted letters of interest and resumes, interested in filling the now-vacant and unexpired term of former Councilman Benjamin Nicely. As readers may recall, Nicely resigned recently. Those candidates are Dr. Ron Goings, Michael Foster, and David Elwood. Dr. Goings moved to Clifton Forge in 1981, opening his medical practice shortly thereafter in 1984. He served as a councilman on Clifton Forge Town Council from 2018-2021, resigning to serve on the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors where he served until December 2025. Although Goings initially planned to retire from local government, he alluded on Tuesday evening that his mind changed once a position opened up on council. He is currently serving on the EDA (Economic Development Authority.) David Elwood, who singled out Clifton Forge as his choice of residency, moved to town approximately 4-5 years ago where he quickly became involved on the Clifton Forge Parks and Trails Committee where he currently serves on the Board of Directors and as Chairman. Michael Foster, alongside his wife, Ann, moved to Clifton Forge in May 2022, purchasing Jack Mason's Tavern and Brewery shortly thereafter in July of the same year. Apart from his interest in serving on the town council, he also currently serves as a member of the Clifton Forge Planning Commission. A Called Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m. to appoint either Goings, Elwood, or Foster to the vacant, unexpired seat, as well as to hear the initial reading of the FY (fiscal year) 2026-2027 budget. The Alleghany Journal livestreamed the entirety of tonight's Clifton Forge Town Council meeting on our Facebook page.

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