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Blacksburg council adopts resolution censuring council member Liam Watson
Summary
After debate, the council adopted a resolution of public censure addressing use of town letterhead, outreach to federal officials and public remarks by Council member Liam Watson; Watson said he would abstain from the vote.
The Blacksburg Town Council adopted a resolution formally censuring Council member Liam Watson for actions the draft resolution said violated the town council handbook.
A council member summarized Resolution 2A25, saying it cited three examples: public remarks critical of a town emergency medical services cost‑recovery ordinance and a related press release, outreach to federal officials outside established procedures, and use of town letterhead for a personal initiative about mail delays. The summary said the council handbook requires clarity about whether members are speaking personally or on behalf of the town and warned that future violations could lead to removal of council‑appointed assignments.
Council member Liam Watson addressed the body before the vote and said he disagreed with the resolution and “intends to abstain.” Following discussion, the council took a roll call vote and the clerk recorded a majority vote in favor of the censure; Watson’s position was recorded as present/abstain per the meeting record.
The resolution directs that the censure be recorded in town records and reserves the council’s right to remove council‑appointed committee and board assignments should similar violations occur in the future.
