Purcellville, VA – In a significant move towards civic engagement and accountability, the group ”Purcellville Deserves Better” of Purcellville, led by Brian Morgan, have announced that their recall petition targeting Mayor Christopher Bertaut, Vice Mayor Carl “Ben” Nett, and Council members Susan Khalil and Carol Luke has successfully surpassed the required number of signatures.
During the Town Council meeting on April 22nd, Morgan revealed that his team gathered an impressive total of 1,088 signatures to recall Mayor Bertaut, 1,081 to recall Council Member Luke, 1,085 signatures for Council Member Khalil, and 1,091 signatures for Vice Mayor Nett. With the petition now complete, Morgan’s team plans to file the petitions with the Loudoun County Circuit Court on April 28th, representing a historic moment in the town’s governance.
Morgan expressed gratitude to the residents of Purcellville for their participation, stating, “This months-long campaign has been a testament to the strength and resolve of Purcellville’s community.” The petitioners are urging this action as a response to several concerns, including alleged violations of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the firing of Town Manager Rick Bremseth, ethical concerns regarding Vice Mayor Nett’s conduct, the appointment of Kwasi Fraser as the permanent town manager, and the controversial decision made on April 8 to dissolve the Purcellville Police Department.
The “Purcellville Deserves Better” group also recognized the invaluable support of local businesses, which provided their spaces and resources to facilitate the campaign. “Most importantly, we express our deepest appreciation to the dedicated group of volunteers who poured an incredible amount of blood, sweat, and tears into this campaign. Your commitment has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Morgan noted.
For residents wishing to participate, there is one final opportunity to sign the petition at 472 E. Main St, Purcellville on April 23, 2025, between 4-6 PM.
Regardless of the outcome of the recall efforts, Morgan emphasized the campaign’s achievements: “We have already achieved victory. We are victorious in spreading awareness about the actions of our current Council Majority, victorious in exposing the candidates supported by a certain local tabloid, and victorious in shedding light on potential criminal and undeniably unethical behavior.”
The movement represents a pivotal moment in Purcellville’s political landscape, revealing the community’s desire for transparency and accountability in governance. Residents will be watching closely as the situation develops.