Kevin Wright is a third-generation resident of western Loudoun and has lived in Purcellville for over 50 years. He retired in 2023 from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue after 34 years of service. With over 40 years in public service, Wright has also volunteered with the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad. He has remained active by volunteering with Special Olympics, youth sports, and various community events. He enjoys offshore fishing, carpentry and spending quality time with his family. Wright said he is running for re-election to the town council to continue his commitment to public service and to help ensure a bright future for the community.

Blue Ridge Leader: What are your three top priorities for the Town of Purcellville?

Kevin Wright: Stabilization of the Town Manager Position: It’s essential to have a qualified Town Manager with the necessary experience to effectively guide both the town and its staff into the future. Stability in this role is crucial for building confidence among residents, staff, and the council.

Restoring Trust and Ethics: Ensuring that residents feel confident their council is acting ethically and in their best interests is paramount. Rebuilding this trust must be a top priority.

Updating Town Policies and Charter: Many of our existing policies and sections of our charter are outdated and require urgent revision. Addressing these updates will ensure our governance remains relevant and effective.

BRL: Under what circumstances would you support annexing land into the Town of Purcellville?

KW: I believe that each annexation application should be thoroughly evaluated and follow established processes. History has shown that rejecting an application does not necessarily prevent development; in fact, considering a proposal can lead to negotiations that produce positive outcomes for the town while minimizing adverse effects. If, after careful evaluation, an application is determined to be not in the best interest of the community, it can be justifiably rejected.

BRL: How important is the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, and are there changes you would like to see?

KW: The Zoning Ordinance is among the most vital tools for any community. When crafted with foresight and aligned with established best practices, it plays a crucial role in fostering economic vitality while preserving the charm and quality of life that residents value.

While Purcellville’s current Zoning provides a solid foundation, several areas warrant reevaluation. Certain provisions seem to contradict the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan and may be overly restrictive, ultimately hindering economic development and the availability of attainable housing within the town.

For instance: Downzoning of Residential Dwellings Above Commercial Properties: The current restrictions limit the renovation potential of several buildings in the downtown area. Allowing residential units above commercial spaces would not only generate additional income for property owners, helping to offset building costs, but also reduce leasing costs for commercial spaces. This change would benefit both new and existing small businesses while creating more accessible housing options.

Elimination of Duplex-Style Homes: The prohibition of duplexes in many areas, including those that currently have such homes, restricts our ability to provide diverse and attainable housing options.

By addressing these issues, we can better align our Zoning Ordinance with the community’s needs and desires, ultimately enhancing our residents’ quality of life.

BRL: Do you believe the Town has made sufficient investments in utility infrastructure over the past several years? What improvements would you prioritize moving forward?

KW: The straightforward answer is: no.

Past councils have not adequately listened to our knowledgeable staff and paid consultants regarding the urgent need for sufficient funding for the town’s utility infrastructure. As a result, the replacement and upgrade of critical infrastructure have been consistently deferred, leading to higher costs and an expanding list of necessary improvements.

Our staff and consultants have maintained a priority list for these upgrades, and it’s essential that we start allocating the necessary funding to address and reduce this backlog.

While there’s no easy solution to avoid raising utility rates, we can explore alternative revenue sources to help mitigate these necessary increases.

To begin, we must focus on re-establishing our relationship with the County. Building trusting and collaborative partnerships with both the county and state could unlock potential financial support opportunities.

Additionally, we should recognize that neighboring towns face similar challenges. By collaborating with these communities, we can develop solutions that benefit everyone involved.

BRL: Residents and businesses collectively pay more than $18 million annually in real estate taxes to Loudoun County. Do you believe the town is receiving an adequate return on that investment?

KW: Each resident and business may have their own perspective on whether the services they receive from the County justify the tax dollars paid.

If we’re comparing the services available to residents and businesses in Purcellville with those outside the town, I would argue that we receive an equivalent, if not superior, level of services. For instance, the County operates a 24/7 staffed fire and rescue station right within our town, alongside two high schools, two elementary schools, and a middle school, all conveniently located within walking distance of many homes.

Additionally, Purcellville boasts a library and a community center, both easily accessible to our residents. Our close proximity to Franklin Park, along with the upcoming extension of the Franklin Park Trail and the Western Regional Recreation Center, further enhances the county funded amenities available to our community.

Considering these factors, I believe that the town’s residents and businesses are receiving a significant return on their investment compared to many other areas.

BRL: How would you assess Purcellville’s long-term financial outlook?

KW: The current status and trajectory of Purcellville’s financial outlook are deeply concerning. Under the leadership of the current mayor and the majority members of the Council, the town’s previously strong financial position has been drastically weakened. Their actions have led to a downgrade in the town’s credit rating, resulting in higher interest rates for necessary loans, which could cost residents and businesses millions over the life of those loans.

Warning signs regarding the need to address our utility rates and aging infrastructure have been evident to previous councils for years, yet little action has been taken. In 2024, the Council recognized these issues and began implementing necessary measures. Unfortunately, over the past two years, the current council’s actions have reversed that progress and jeopardized the town’s financial stability.

However, there is an opportunity to change this trajectory and restore a brighter outlook if residents elect leaders who demonstrate common sense, engage with staff, consultants, residents, and business owners, and adhere to best practices.

Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic about Purcellville’s future. Achieving a better financial outlook will require leaders who are committed to collaboration, open dialogue, and actively addressing the issues that hinder the revitalization of our downtown and the attraction of new small businesses and tourism. 

BRL: How would you encourage economic development?  

KW: There are several effective ways the Council can foster and stimulate economic development.

First and foremost, it is essential to maintain open lines of communication with business and commercial property owners. By listening to their needs and understanding the challenges they face, we can better support their economic growth.

Additionally, we need to address the discrepancies between the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinances—variances that hinder the revitalization of our Downtown area.

I also believe it’s important to establish a dedicated staff position focused solely on promoting Purcellville. This role would attract new businesses that complement our existing community and help increase tourism.