DADE ROYER WINS A FULL TERM AS WAYNESBORO MAYOR, AND WILL UTILIZE NEW PERSPECTIVES
By Robb Helfrick
November 13, 2025
Dade Royer built his resume for Waynesboro mayoral leadership on a solid foundation. He served seven years on the Borough Council and excelled in multiple civic roles. Royer also coached athletes and was inspired by his family’s historic roots and advocacy within the community. Waynesboro citizens responded to his candidacy on Election Day by awarding Royer a full term as Mayor.
Royer overwhelmingly won the Republican primary on May 20, 2025, earning 82% of the votes for his party, and was even victorious on the Democratic ticket.
Earlier, on May 16, respected Waynesboro Mayor Richard “Dick” Starliper had died. As the presumptive next Waynesboro mayor, Royer was appointed to fill Starliper’s mayoral position, and a judge swore Royer into office on May 27, with a term ending on January 5, 2026.
After that sudden call to action, Royer took the executive reins and immediately went to work. His major role in the mayor’s office is overseeing the police department.
To fulfill that important duty, he began working closely with local law enforcement officers. Royer rode with them on patrols. He took a keen interest in ongoing investigations and studied police procedures.
Royer expressed his two-pronged approach to public safety. The first aspect was the strict enforcement of local laws, particularly the stopping of the distribution of illegal drugs. Royer was determined to be an advocate for drug prevention programs in schools and within the community.
Royer’s second aspect for a well-functioning police force is “building relationships within the community.” His plan to implement this policy is to hire officers with local ties to Waynesboro when possible.
Now, after winning a full term as mayor, Royer will utilize his experience in the position to face the challenges of managing public safety and to achieve his goals for the community’s future.
Looking ahead, Royer envisions new policies and practices for pedestrian safety, being a steward for borough business development, and fulfilling his role as Waynesboro’s leader, both from an executive perspective and as the symbolic head of his community.
“I’m in a new role, and the expectations are higher,” Royer said, “but I’m still the same person. I enjoy talking with people and helping them solve problems.”
In January, Dade Royer will begin a full mayoral term with the confidence gained by new perspectives. As he looks toward working with the borough council, Royer said, “We’re excited about tackling these challenges so people in Waynesboro will have a better life.”