Purcellville has always held a special place in the hearts of Christie and Brian, whose journey in Northern Virginia led them to the town two decades ago. Originally stationed in Sterling and later moving to Ashburn, the couple became enamored with Purcellville during their children’s sporting events. When it came time to settle down and plant their roots, there was no question—Purcellville was where they wanted to be.
For the past 20 years, Christie and Brian have called Purcellville home. Their three children grew up here, with two attending Loudoun Valley High School during a challenging period of overcrowding. Despite the difficulties, the family found unwavering support from the dedicated teachers and staff who truly knew and cared about their students. Their oldest son now lives in Leesburg with his wife and newborn daughter, while the couple’s youngest children have followed their educational paths—one at Virginia Tech and the other at George Mason University. Now, they are happy to see their grandchildren attending Emerick and Blue Ridge.
Brian, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps with 28 years of service, embodies a commitment to community. His dedication to Purcellville is evident through his active involvement; before retiring, he participated on the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) and later transitioned to the Parks and Recreation Committee. For several years, he has been instrumental in booking talent for local events, sharing his passion for music with the community. His leadership experience includes being an Eagle Scout and a Scout Leader, and he recently played a crucial role in managing the town’s recall effort.
Christie contributes her expertise in property management as the General Manager at Fair Oaks Mall, where she has made significant strides in creating inclusive spaces. Her extensive volunteerism spans various educational initiatives, including service on the EDAC for seven years and involvement in multiple homeowners’ associations. She is especially proud of establishing a prayer room and a neurodivergent space at Fair Oaks Mall, aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
Although neither Brian nor Christie initially intended to engage deeply in local government, a turning point arose during the January 8th Town Council meeting. The sudden firing of the town manager and the appointment of Kwasi Fraser as the interim town manager alarmed them, rekindling concerns from Kwasi’s earlier tenure as Mayor. This prompted them to attend council meetings and advocate for transparency and accountability.They quickly realized that a faction within the Council, consisting of four members, was seemingly disregarding established procedures and neglecting to represent the entire community.
Motivated by a desire for change, a small group of residents, including Christie and Brian, began exploring the possibility of a recall. After thorough research, they identified four legal grounds for initiating the process, convinced the targeted council members had violated at least one. Following legal guidance, they formally announced the recall on March 25.
This initiative has demanded considerable time, effort, and financial resources from the group. In response to the community’s support, a GoFundMe page was launched to offset costs, greatly assisting their cause. Once petitioner signatures are submitted to the Board of Elections, a review by the Commonwealth’s Attorney will determine the next steps, including potential court proceedings. Should the case proceed, legal representation will be necessary to advocate for their position.
Christie and Brian’s navigation of this vital initiative highlights their unwavering commitment to the future of Purcellville and its residents, reminding us all of the impact dedicated individuals can have on their community.
To stay updated on the recall petition and learn how to donate, interested residents can visit the GoFundMe Page and follow their social media Facebook page: “Purcellville Deserves Better” for the latest news and developments.