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Orwellian Rhetoric and Short-Term Rentals: A Night of Contrasts
On July 1st, the Board reached a turning point, admitting that their zoning decisions “didn’t feel quite fair.” Between debates on “Orwellian” rhetoric and my observations of the crumbling ceiling, the night highlighted the need for administrative maintenance. Read More
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Flashlights and Snorkels: Navigating the Fog of the FY2026 Budget
I performed a deep dive into the FY2026 budget, exposing a “brick wall” of transparency issues—from unsearchable image-based documents to mysterious funding cuts for fire departments and the erasure of Samuels Library from the historical fiscal record. Read More
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A Beacon of Pride: Completing the Lighthouse Speech
I returned to the podium to conclude my message on civic pride, describing the library as a “beacon of light.” I challenged the Board to move beyond being merely “affordable” to becoming a county that is truly livable and lovable. Read More
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The Lighthouse in the Storm: Civic Pride and the Library’s Future
I shared a personal reflection on civic pride, referencing Jeff Siegler’s “Hard to Love.” I spoke on how prioritizing finance over value has harmed our community and choked up while addressing the painful human cost of the library’s political storm. Read More
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Supervisors Tackle Tax and Revenue Issues, Approve Comp Plan Update Option 1, Before Being Ripped Over Library
Royal Examiner: I’m mentioned during public comments addressing concerns about administrative treatment of county fire departments. When a related consent agenda item was removed, I thanked the board, noting it made me feel heard—highlighting active civic participation during a contentious meeting. Read More
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Transparency Under Fire: Addressing Manipulated Records and Blocked Access
I challenged the Board on unethical social media practices, including the deletion of public comments and blocking of citizens. I also successfully advocated for removing outdated, inconsistent library financial data from the County’s Comprehensive Plan to ensure all nonprofits are treated equally. Read More
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At Silver Tea event, Samuels supporters recall library’s history and make a plea for its future
Northern Virginia Daily: I’m mentioned as a Samuels Public Library trustee who assisted with historical research for a Silver Tea presentation, helping trace the library’s origins and community legacy while supporters gathered to advocate for its future during a period of funding uncertainty. Read More
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County library board suggests Warren supervisors not renew contract with Samuels
Northern Virginia Daily: I’m quoted as a Samuels Public Library trustee disputing claims of FOIA violations, stating that the library delivered strong value for county funding and that its nonprofit status provides a greater return on investment while retaining lawful control of its assets. Read More
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Samuels Library began in 1799 as a subscription service
Northern Virginia Daily: I’m referenced as a Samuels Public Library trustee who assisted with historical research for a public forum on the library’s origins, helping document its evolution from a 1799 subscription service into a long-standing, community-built institution. Read More
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Echoes of the Past
Colleen Snyder’s Echoes of the Past traced Samuels Public Library’s story through oral history and archival research, debuting publicly during a Q&A forum before being shared again at the revived Silver Tea and in a later public presentation. Read More