Op-Ed
What follows is a personal reflection that gradually gives way to satire—a speculative look at where current civic habits, if left unchecked, could lead. By Charlie Houston Retrospection can bring warm memories or cold anger. I’ve experienced both since moving here thirty years ago. Memory is generous; the present, less so—and often deserving of a…
By Valerie Cury Using modern tools to explore options, gather insight, and shape decisions is not controversial—it’s essential. Tens of millions of people rely on AI, colleagues, advisors, English professors, attorneys, friends, and consultants every day to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and strengthen outcomes. Public servants are no different. Rarely does anyone work in a…
By Lloyd Harting In July of 2025 Purcellville Town Manager Kwasi Fraser and Purcellville Vice Mayor Carl “Ben” Nett were arrested and each was criminally charged by the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney with one felony charge of violating Code of Virginia Section 59.1-68.1 (Combinations to Rig Bids) and one felony charge of violating Code of…
The Ratchet and the Economy By Charlie Houston Old fashioned car jacks are ratchets: They allow continued upward movement, but downward movement will be one slow notch at a time. That tool lends its name to an economics concept called, naturally, the ratchet effect: Prices can rise quickly in inflationary times, but fall slowly. That’s…
By Joe LaFiandra Most people are not fully aware of the danger of injury or death from falling trees in Western Loudoun. Before your eyes glaze over and say “Another thing to worry about” consider the following deaths from falling trees in Loudoun County: St. Francis de Sales Church pastor, Michael Kelly, in Hamilton, in…
By Senator Dick Black (Ret.) The trial of Kwasi Fraser is not about him—it is an epic battle over lucrative land deals. Back when slow growth struggles dominated county politics, a majority on the Purcellville town council planted a time bomb that was designed to eventually force voters to accept high-density development inside expanded town…
By Charlie Houston Zeus directed that Pandora be created as Earth’s first human female. He imbued her with many fine attributes—beauty, intelligence, grace and so forth. Zeus, like many Greek gods, enjoyed stirring up earthly trouble and watching the ensuing spectacles. In Pandora’s case, he also gave her a deep curiosity. He sent her a…
By Valerie Cury The divide in Purcellville is not between honest governance and corruption. It is between a majority fulfilling the will of the voters and a very well-connected political minority determined to reverse the outcome of an election. Purcellville is being portrayed as a town unraveling, plagued by misconduct and unprecedented corruption. Senator Russet…
By John Ellis Save Rural Loudoun is a non-partisan, community-based organization focused on local issues that matter to citizens of all political persuasions, including preserving Loudoun’s farms and farmland and protecting its natural resources. In the past, we have not endorsed candidates for public office out of concern that it might be perceived as showing…
By Lisa Harcrow Have you enjoyed the last four years in Virginia with record breaking job growth, year over year surpluses, and record economic investments? If so, vote for Geary Higgins. Or, would you like to go back four years … with closed schools, churches and businesses, a wrecked economy, a failing education system, mask…