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Residents accuse council majority of stifling public comment, urge resignations
Summary
Multiple Purcellville residents used the public-comment period to accuse the mayor and a council majority of restricting free speech, cited case law, and called for resignations; speakers urged the council to listen and referenced ongoing recall activity.
Dozens of residents pressed the Purcellville Town Council during the Sept. 23 public-comment period, criticizing recent meeting conduct and changes to public-comment rules and urging elected officials to be more responsive.
"Freedom of speech is not limited to what the council agrees with," said Stephanie Marut, who also provided the council a copy of the Acosta v. Costa Mesa decision and argued that viewpoint discrimination is not permitted under the First Amendment. Christopher Hansford followed, saying the majority's actions had been an "embarrassment" that merited resignations: "I urge you, do us all a favor and please resign." Several other speakers — including Christy Morgan, Justin Morrow, Kirsten Shields and Erica Stout — leveled similar criticisms, citing repeated agenda changes, limits on direct questioning, and alleged dismissive behavior by council leadership.
Council members acknowledged the remarks in their responses later in the meeting; several emphasized the need for civility while also defending the council's authority to set agenda rules. The mayor and several council members separately urged staff to ensure public-comment rules are clear and to prioritize listening to constituents. The comments included calls for recall campaigns and requests for greater transparency around hiring and financial decisions.
