First on PotomacLocal.com
Mt. Vernon, Va. –– A Fairfax County supervisor demanded an apology from one of his own staff members after an April Fools Day joke bombed with business owners.
Ron Fitzsimons, a part-time aide to Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, last week posted on his Facebook page “Mount Vernon News” that the adult video and novelty store, MVC, was eyeing the purchase of a Safeway grocery store in the Hollin Hall area of Fairfax County.
It turns out it was an April Fools Day joke, but when the message mysteriously disappeared from the site, and when Fitzsimmons didn’t let anyone in on the joke, many business owners complained.
“We were relived when heard it was a joke, but then irritated,” said Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Holly Dougherty. “When those kinds of rumors start it’s hard to stop them. People were concerned that this was happening, and then people are concerned that this is the type of community that welcomes these types of businesses.”
MVC brands itself a couples boutique that sells adult videos, lingerie and other novelty items.
Nearly a week later and after a call from PotomacLocal.com to Supervisor’s Hyland’s office, Fitzsimmons posted an apology to his Facebook page.
“Many of you know that I am a part time employee of the county. A reader has complained to the county about my April Fool’s post last week, calling it inappropriate. I want to make clear that everything I do on this page is on my own. It is in no way sanctioned by the county. If my post caused any discomfort, trouble, etc., please accept my apologies,” Fitzsimmons stated.
Regular posts on the Mount Vernon News page ask readers their opinions about Fairfax County Board of Supervisors actions, and on social issues –– such as “should gays be allowed to adopt children?”
Fitzsimmons has worked for Hyland for five years, and on Thursday afternoon remained an employee of Hyland’s, said office spokesman Brett Kenney.
“We are aware of the [Mount Vernon News] page. Supervisor Hyland told Mr. Fitzsimmons to remove the post and then to issue an apology,” said Kenney.
MVC has not returned phone calls about this story. The company has nine locations in the area, including Alexandria, Dumfries and Woodbridge.
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