The cost to defend the five Democrats on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors now sits at $96,000.
Taxpayers have racked up those charges as the county hired multiple attorneys to defend the sitting supervisors after they were named in a lawsuit alleging they violated Virginia’s sunshine law by attending a public meeting on May 31 without notifying the public.
On Wednesday, October 8, Fairfax County Judge Dennis J. Smith moved to strike, effectively tossing out the case.
Now the county has motioned Smith to recoup the suit’s cost from the three plaintiffs, who are all county residents to sued, including Alan “Brett” Gloss.
On Tuesday, November 17, Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-large Ann Wheeler said the motion was made to recoup taxpayer funds.
In an email sent to PLN, Gloss disagrees and calls the move away to silence residents who attempt to bring legal action against the local government.
“[this is]clear message to all citizens who dare question the democrat majority: “Sit down, shut up, and obey. If you question us, we will use the full weight of the county to come after you and financially ruin you to make you shut up.” Ann Wheeler wants to make it clear, she runs this county however she wants and by going behind closed doors without the public, citizens not only have no say in it, they can’t observe it happening either.”
It’s unclear when the judge will rule on the county’s motion to reimburse the legal fees.
