Enough. Forward, Not Backward
Time to pay attention, speak up and act.
Because silence and apathy are what some members of this council are counting on.
More Dysfunction and Secret Meetings
The Warrenton Town Council meeting on 24 November 2025 played out pretty much as expected - more DYSFUNCTION and more CLOSED-DOOR meetings.
No fix to firing Frank Cassidy and no reasons why from Eric Gagnon, Paul Mooney, Dave McGuire, and Larry Kovalik - all of whom were elected UNOPPOSED!
We now have proof the Town Attorney was concerned about the actions of the Commission and members of council in getting access to town files.
Chap Petersen stated in a 13 October 2025 email to Council:
"I am most concerned that the "emails" issue is being used to isolate and dismiss members of the Town Staff ..."
Chap Petersen, Warrenton Town Attorney. See Full Letter on Fauquier Now.
Where does it stop? Who is next?
Is this Open and Transparent Government?
It’s time to pay attention, speak up, and act.
Because silence and apathy are exactly what some members of this Council are counting on.
Town Attorney Warns About Illegal or Unethical Actions
Read the Fauquier Now article and see the actual email from Town Attorney Chap Petersen stating his reasons for not wanting to renew his contract. Of note, he stated:
"I am obligated to follow the instructions of the Town Council, but I can't take actions under VA Code 8.01-271-1 which I view as either illegal or unethical".
Chap Petersen email to Town Council 13 October 2025 as printed in Fauquier Now article 25 Nov 2025.
Do the members of Town Council feel the same or are they exempt?
Should we assume that Councilman Gagnon - who came to office UNOPPOSED - and other council members are exempt from the Code of Ethics?
Is this Open and Transparent Government?
It’s time to pay attention, speak up and act.
Because silence and apathy are exactly what some members of this Council are counting on.
Town Manager Fired. Open and Transparent Town Council?
Town Council members who came to office UNOPPOSED - Eric Gagnon, Larry Kovalik, Paul Mooney, and David McGuire voted to fire Town Manager Frank Cassidy — without warning and without explanation. Three Council Members — Bill Semple, Michelle O’Halloran, and Roy Francis said they were completely blindsided. Even the Mayor had no idea it was coming. No plan. No reason. No transparency.
Is This Open and Transparent Government?
Is This a Return to Good Ol' Boy Politics of the Past?
Is this Dysfunctional?
It’s time to pay attention, speak up and act.
Because silence and apathy are exactly what some members of this Council are counting on.
The Open and Transparent Government Cash Cow
The release in Fauquier Now of Town Attorney Chap Petersen's email to Town Council on why he would not renew his contract is revealing. Some of his reasons:
"My #1 concern with the Commission has been the amount of time and money invested without any actual work product being created."
"My compromise on August 23rd, was designed to move the Commission forward and finally end the "emails" issue which was a collateral dispute that had wasted 4-5 months and thousands of dollars in staff and professional time (unnecessarily)".
Source: 13 October 2025 Email from Chap Petersen as posted on Fauquier Now.
Is This Open and Transparent Government?
Fair and Impartial?
Good Stewards of Your Tax Dollars?
Is This a Return to Good Ol' Boy Politics of the Past?
Is this Dysfunctional?
Or just another dysfunctional witch hunt disguised as good government?
It’s time to pay attention, speak up and act.
Because silence and apathy are exactly what some members of this Council are counting on.
Why Would Anyone Apply to Be Town Manager With This Council?
Eric Gagnon of Ward 5 led other council members Paul Mooney, Larry Kovalik and David McGuire to fire Frank Cassidy, the Town Manager.
And they have never told us why. No explanation. No transition plan. No strategy. Just chaos. They got rid of one of the most effective Town Managers we have had in decades.
Ask yourself: what qualified professional would want to work for a council of which some members state is dysfunctional? Or is the fix already in? Does Eric Gagnon and other members of Council have someone waiting in the wings who will simply rubber-stamp whatever this “open and transparent” council wants, no matter the cost to Warrenton?
Do you want to go back to the "Good 'Ol Boy" era of Warrenton politics?
Would you trust — or work for — a council like that?
It’s time to pay attention, speak up and act.
Because silence and apathy are exactly what some members of this Council are counting on.