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Community-Supported News. Free to all.
VOL. 10, NO. 20
26
MARCH 27, 2025
Recall Effort Launched in Purcellville BY HANNA PAMPALONI
hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
After a tumultuous three months following a change in Purcellville’s leadership, a group of town residents Tuesday night announced an effort to recall Mayor Christopher Bertaut, Vice Mayor Ben Nett and council members Susan Khalil and Carol Luke. The announcement was made during the Town Council meeting by longtime resident Brian Morgan who said there are four main reasons he is leading the effort. The first is alleged Freedom of Information Act violations amid concerns by residents that meetings between more than two council members are taking place, communicating via encrypted group chat apps, and are avoiding FOIA requests. The second relates to the firing of former Town Manager Rick Bremseth and the subsequent hiring of former mayor Kwasi Fraser as interim manager during a Jan. 8 special meeting. “It’s a quid pro quo. You’re offering a favor to your friend,” Morgan said. The third issue cited in the recall are effort ethical concerns surrounding Nett, who also works as a police officer for the town. Last month, Nett was placed on administrative leave in the department and added by the PURCELLVILLE RECALL continues on page 38
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Oak Hill, the historic home of President James Monroe, located near Aldie, is being considered by the General Assembly to have the more than 1,200 acres established as a state park.
Oak Hill State Park Hopes Stay Alive After Youngkin Adds to Budget BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
After initial efforts to establish the Loudoun County home of President James Monroe as a state park hit resistance in the state Senate, Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Monday announced he would include
support for the park through a budget amendment. “In addition, after careful consideration and — I have to say, an enormous amount of arm twisting and a site visit with Del. Geary Higgins — our package of budget amendments includes language to authorize the consideration of establishing Oak
Hill, the historic home of Virginia governor and fifth president of the United States James Monroe, as a state park,” Youngkin stated in the announcement. The General Assembly will take up the OAK HILL continues on page 9
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