Justice shouldn’t be politized

Dear Editor:

As Mayor, I cannot stay silent in the face of what’s unfolding in our town.

Let me be clear, I stand firmly behind the principle that every individual is innocent until proven guilty. What we are witnessing today are serious charges, but they come at a time of deep political division and immediately following the complete exoneration of Vice-Mayor Ben Nett by an independent Grievance Panel.

That panel found the case against Mr. Nett was not only unfounded but rooted in political motivations. It exposed a troubling pattern—where the rules were bent, procedures ignored, and a dedicated public servant was targeted for daring to serve his community and speak out for reform. The panel unanimously concluded he did nothing wrong and ordered his full reinstatement with back pay.

There are strong parallels running through the events of the past seven months. After losing the majority on the Council, members of the new minority have acted to disrupt public meetings, and behind the scenes to advance salacious, but unfounded accusations through the criminal justice system. All in furtherance of their desire to regain control of the town government in support of their allies and against the interests of the town as-a-whole. Their actions are political retribution masquerading as public service.

Now, less than a month later, both Mr. Nett and our Town Manager face criminal indictments—before any formal response to the panel’s findings has even been addressed. The timing is not lost on me, nor should it be lost on the public.

This Council has worked hard to bring transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership to Town Hall. That work has not been easy. It has come with resistance, with backlash—and now, I fear, with retaliation.

To the residents of Purcellville, I urge you to look beyond the headlines. Ask hard questions. Demand the full story. And remember that justice is not served by rushing to judgment—it is served by truth, transparency, and due process.

This is a pivotal moment for our town. I believe in the integrity of our community and in the values that brought each of us to public service. We will not be shaken. We will not back down. And we will continue fighting for what is right.

—Christopher Bertaut

Mayor of Purcellville