Follow the money

Dear Editor:

Team Grewe’s donations come mostly from the development community to the tune of over $25,000.

The majority of the donations, this go around, are being donated to Erin Rayner’s campaign. Her largest donors are from the developers of Vineyard Square on 21st Street, and employees of their relatives. 

To date the amount of money Rayner has raised since 2020 is $52,481. That’s a lot of money for our small town. 

This race is all about keeping Purcellville the small town most of us moved here for and so enjoy. 

The Planning Commission is undertaking the rewrite of the town’s zoning ordinance which should reflect the vision of the residents manifested in the Comprehensive Plan. 

That is why members of the Grewe team have criticized the current planning commission with flat out made up allegations – knowing the residents of this town do not have the time to view all the meetings online to check the veracity of these falsehoods.

Whether you are driving down Hirst Road, 287 and Rt. 7 right out of the town limits, or on developer’s properties who are hoping to elect a mayor and Town Council more friendly to their interests – you will see their teams ever changing signs. 

Candidate for Mayor Joel Grewe has a four-year record. He voted against denying the Warner Brook annexation request – meaning he voted for an annexation request that the citizens of Purcellville did not support. This request would have grown the town by 120-acres, and would have forever changed our small town with unwanted growth. Luckily, he was the only yes vote.

He also did not support the town’s own Comprehensive Plan – a plan that reflects the vision of the citizens of this town. 

He supports hiring more staff, even though a recent organizational study said the town should improve their work processes before they hire more people.

Grewe incorrectly says the town’s budget, which he voted for, has a deficit of $600,000. When the Mayfair Community was annexed by a previous mayor, their utility connection fees of $12 million were put in reserves (which has a current balance of over $12 million) – to be spent for increased town services accordingly. 

This election like every election every two years is not about party, not about “good people” but about electing a team who has the Town of Purcellville’s best interest at heart. I support Milan for Mayor, Ron Rise, Carol Luke, and Boo Bennett for Town Council. They answer to the citizens and not developers.

Michael T. Jarvis

Purcellville