In a significant development, the Purcellville Town Council convened a special closed meeting on the evening of July 25, driven by the proactive efforts of Council members Kevin Wright, Caleb Stought, and Erin Rayner. This decision came in response to the recent legal troubles facing Town Manager Kwasi Fraser and Vice Mayor Ben Nett, both of whom are currently facing felony charges. These events have cast a shadow over the community, prompting urgent discussions about the future of Purcellville’s leadership.
The meeting led to a unanimous 6-0 vote to place Fraser on paid administrative leave following his arrest on charges of bid rigging and fraudulent commercial dealings. In his absence, Assistant Town Manager Diana Hays has been appointed as interim town manager. The council’s swift action underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity to maintain stability and transparency within the town’s governance.
Councilman Kevin Wright, along with Councilmembers Erin Rayner and Caleb Stought, expressed deep concern about the implications of these events for the community. “In light of the recent arrests of Vice Mayor Nett and Town Manager Fraser, we express our deep concern for the implications these events have for our community,” they stated. They emphasized the importance of upholding the principle that all individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty, while acknowledging the shadow these allegations cast over the town.
Wright, Rayner, and Stought underscored the importance of integrity in local government, stating, “The integrity of our local government is paramount, and we believe that the actions of our elected and appointed officials should reflect the values and trust of the citizens they serve.” They called for Vice Mayor Nett to resign from his position to minimize distractions and maintain focus on effective governance. “Such a decision would demonstrate respect for our community and its residents during this challenging time,” they added.
The council members also urged the Mayor and other majority members of the Council to prioritize transparency, integrity, and accountability. “As elected officials, we are held to a higher standard of accountability, and rightly so,” they noted, emphasizing the need for leadership that reflects the community’s values.
The urgency of the meeting was highlighted by the Mayor’s failure to call it, prompting Councilmember Caleb Stought to initiate the process pursuant to code 15.2-1418, with the meeting set for 6:30 p.m. “We encourage all citizens to stay informed and engaged as we work together to restore trust in our local government,” they concluded.
As Fraser and Nett prepare for their arraignments on Monday, the Purcellville Town Council faces the challenging task of navigating this crisis while maintaining the trust and confidence of its residents.