William Murphy will suspend his duties on the Dumfries Board of Zoning Appeals and take a temporary seat on the Town Council.
Murphy was appointed to the ordinance making governing board for the 1.6 square mile town on Tuesday night. His appointment comes after longtime Councilwoman Kristen Forrester stepped down from the Council late last year.
“I am honored that the Council has shown their confidence in me and has appointed me to the interim council seat,” Murphy wrote in an email to his fellow council members. “It is a responsibility I take very seriously. I will do my best to represent the citizens and businesses of Dumfries and help to improve the quality of life for all in Virginia’s oldest town.”
A special ceremony will be held to inaugurate Murphy at 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at Town Hall. He will serve until a special election is held April 21 to fill Forrester’s seat. Murphy is said to be collecting required signatures for a campaign to hold the seat permanently.
While the Dumfries Town Council has scheduled the Special Election for April 21, the Prince William County courts must still approve the date.
Murphy has served on the Dumfries Board of Zoning Appeals for the past five years.
