The town of Purcellville, Virginia, is in the midst of a heated debate over growth and politics, with residents divided on how to move forward. The battle centers around tensions between those who want to preserve the town’s small-town identity and those who support development and higher taxes.
At the heart of the controversy are two factions: Team Mayberry, which promises to cut utility rates and maintain a “small-town feel,” and Team Metropolis, which advocates for city-slicker-style development and higher taxes. The issue has sparked lawsuits, recall efforts, and public outbursts, leaving many residents feeling frustrated and anxious.
The dispute began when Carl “Ben” Nett, a council member with ties to the U.S. Secret Service and CIA, took office 13 months ago. Nett and his allies won their 2024 races, gaining majority control of the council, but their tactics have been criticized as opaque and partisan. The interim police chief fired Nett in April over allegations of improper use of sick time, prompting a grand jury indictment.
Nett has filed a $42 million lawsuit against several town officials, alleging his rights have been violated, while Fraser, who was installed as town manager after Nett’s firing, claims the allegations are “laughable.” The controversy has brought national attention to Purcellville, with many residents feeling embarrassed by the constant media coverage.
Despite the chaos, some residents have come together to support the recall effort or attend council sessions and court hearings. Others have started websites and social media groups to track developments. As one resident joked, “You have to find the humor in it” to cope with the situation.
The outcome of this tumultuous year is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Purcellville’s residents are divided over how to move forward, and the debate shows no signs of slowing down.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/02/16/purcellville-virginia-town-conflict