On Tuesday, May 19, the Dumfries Town Council will vote on whether or not to hire an Interim Town Attorney from Pandak & Associates.
At their last town meeting on Tuesday, May 5, the town council decided to fire their former attorney, Brendan McConnell. The motion was made by Councilwoman Selonia Miles and seconded by Councilwoman Cydny Neville.Â
The motion ended with a 5 to 1 decision to fire McConnell, with Councilwoman Melva Willis as the only holdout.Â
Councilman Charles Brewer was not in attendance.
McConnell had been working as the town attorney for about a month. When offered the chance to speak on his behalf before the vote, McConnell alluded to a disagreement as to the reason his contract was under consideration:
“I know I upset some people on the council a couple of Tuesdays ago in response to Ms. Willis’s and some of the other thoughts about whether the council could vote that night on the budget and I apologize to you for being mistaken as to my understanding of what was to take place that night … I understand Ms. Pandak disagreed … and I can assure the council I didn’t mean to upset anybody but I thought I had a duty to express my thoughts, my opinion,” said McConnell.
When asked for further details on McConnell’s firing, Mayor Derrick Wood did not respond to a request for comment. The town council is scheduled to meet in an emergency session, due to the coronavirus pandemic, during an online meeting on Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m.
State law allows governing bodies to hold emergency sessions if all agenda items are necessary to address the attack, emergency, crisis, or disaster, and the failure to act on these agenda items could result in irrevocable public harm.
Pandak and Associates currently provide legal counsel to the OmniRide Board of Commissioners. Pandak served as the Prince William County Attorney from 1989 to 2004.
Recent Stories
Public safety officials recently gathered at Dunkin’ Donuts locations from Stafford County to Manassas to meet with community members in two separate events fostering engagement and conversation.
In Stafford County, Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins celebrated the grand reopening of their Next Generation restaurant on Warrenton Road with a unique community event on Saturday, February 8. Customers enjoyed free medium hot or iced coffee while participating in fun activities, including a prize wheel, face painting, and a visit from Dunkin’s mascot, Cuppy. As part of the event, local franchisee Pravina Bhalani hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and presented a $500 donation to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue expressed their appreciation, stating, “Thank you to Dunkin’ (Warrenton Road) for the invite to their reopening and thank you for the generous $500 contribution to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.”
The Dale City Farmers Market is open Sundays year-round, rain or shine! From December to March, shop from 10 AM – 1 PM at 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City.
Discover a variety of local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and more! Whether you’re looking for farm-fresh ingredients, handcrafted treats, or unique artisanal products, the Dale City Farmers Market has something for everyone.
If you’re a Lab lover, Raven is waiting for you! This one-year-old Labrador mix is full of energy and enthusiasm, just as you’d expect from her breed. She has experience living with kids, cats, and dogs, making her a great fit for an active and pet-friendly household.
Raven was returned to the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter because she does best in a home with a fenced yard. Without one, she has a tendency to wander, so her ideal home includes a secure space or committed leash walks.
Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page has been appointed to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees to represent Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed in 2024. The Board oversees library policies across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Brown-Page, a retired federal senior manager and mediation expert, brings extensive experience in human and community relations. Her appointment follows the censure of Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary, accused of political maneuvering in Becelia’s removal.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
