Votes in this Town are Not for Sale

 Dear Editor:

A friend of mine supports Ben Nett for Town Council and has had his sign in their yard for a month. This week, Mayor Milan knocked on my friend’s door and tried to convince them to remove Ben’s sign and support his slate of candidates instead. They declined. 

The next morning, Milan (or someone from his campaign) returned to their house and removed the “Ben Nett” sign. At the same time, he planted signs in their yard for himself and his running mates. 

All of the signs were removed, which Milan planted without permission, and were discarded. Hours later, Milan’s running mate, John Mark Gardner, acted as Santa. While my friend and I were talking, he pulled up across the street in his big red sleigh—I mean, Jeep—delivering presents. He handed my friend a $30 gift card to an ice cream shop with a “Town of Purcellville Virginia, Stanley J. Milan Mayor” business card attached.

Is there a gift card for everyone in town? I was present for this encounter and was surely surprised. How many more gift cards is Mr. Gardner delivering to voters around town? I interpret this as a bribe.

On August 31, after my friend replaced the stolen “Ben Nett” sign, Mayor Milan returned to their home, angry, and demanded to know what happened to “his” signs. What are Purcellville residents supposed to think? Additionally, will there be repercussions if someone changes their mind, or changes their views on which candidates to support.   

 Nobody’s vote in this town should be for sale. 

Carol Luke

Purcellville