Forrester headed to Spain for new job
Kristen Forrester will step down from the Dumfries Town Council.
Forrester has accepted a new job in Spain working for the U.S. Government. The councilwoman has served on the Town Council since 2010 and is expected to leave early in the New Year.
Forrester’s departure from the Council will leave the remaining six members to decide if a new council member will be appointed by the governing body or if a special election will be held following Forrester’s departure.
Dumfries Mayor Jerry Foreman says the town needs to hold and pay for a special election.
“The fairest way to do this is to let the citizens decide who is sitting in that seat,” he said. “If the council is going to pick someone to fill that seat they are going to pick someone who is only going to be there until next November.”
The Town Council could also decide to directly appoint a new council member. It’s an option that the Prince William County Board of Supervisors was not permitted by law to do when Brenstsville District Supervisor Wally Covington stepped down and accepted a new job as a judge at the Prince William County Judicial Center.
The special election to fill the Brentsville seat will be held Dec. 23. Democrat Eric Young, Republican Jeanine Lawson, and Independent Scott Jacobs will appear on the ballot.
Forrester, a Republican, has never shied away from speaking her mind while on the Council. She’s been an outspoken critic of Prince William County’s elected leaders, including Potomac District Supervisor Maureen Caddigan, who she said has not done enough to help the town.
Forrester also got fed up with members of the Council when members reportedly mocked her sarcastically, playing air violins when she spoke.
Dumfries voters elected Forrester to a brand new term in May.
