Two bills currently in the Virginia General Assembly could reshape governance in Purcellville, potentially restricting council votes, suspending officials facing charges, and mandating costly studies—raising questions about local autonomy, transparency, and the balance of power between state and town.
Purcellville Vice Mayor Ben Nett says he has been the target of a politically motivated campaign since announcing his candidacy for Town Council in 2024—a campaign he says has included false allegations, internal investigations, criminal charges, and coordinated efforts by political rivals to remove him from office.
Nett, a former Purcellville police officer, was terminated following an internal investigation but was later exonerated by the Town of Purcellville’s independent Grievance Panel. In June 2025, the Panel unanimously ordered his reinstatement with back pay and reimbursement of attorney fees, consistent with the relief granted in the Town’s Grievance Policy. As of publication, the town has not implemented the Panel’s decision, despite a 14-day compliance period outlined in the Grievance Panel policy…