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Residents lash out at Purcellville council over manager firing and transparency
Summary
Multiple residents used the public comment period to criticize the council's recent termination of the town manager and the selection of an interim manager, raising allegations of political retribution, conflicts of interest, and calls for FOIA disclosure of interview records.
Dozens of residents addressed the Purcellville Town Council during public comment on Jan. 28, criticizing the council’s handling of the town manager’s termination and calling for greater transparency in interim‑manager selection.
Jeff Hedrick of Hurst Farm accused a ‘self‑proclaimed majority’ of using committee reassignments and political retribution, and said he had submitted emails that went unanswered. “Town council meetings should be boring,” Hedrick said, then added of the current majority, “your self‑proclaimed majority… it’s ridiculous.”
Marlena Bramsett, who said she is the wife of former town manager Rick Bramsett, called the January 8 termination an “unannounced linear ambush” and described the decision as political. Beverly Chasen said the council’s actions had prompted the departure of a respected town manager and a police chief and estimated turnover costs including a $150,000 impact and a $1.5 million budget gap.
Several commenters pressed for records: Christine Morgan said FOIA responses did not include the list of interim manager interview candidates or resumes; Justin Morrow, a recent resident, asked point‑blank who was interviewed, when interviews occurred, and who participated. Bridal Morgan raised a possible conflict of interest, citing a council member who remains a sworn police officer while serving on council.
Council members acknowledged the comments and the mayor invited staff to respond through the manager's office; several council members also said they welcome citizen oversight but argued some procedural clarifications would be provided through records or closed‑session legal channels.
