Has the Court Been Stacked? Has the Jury Been Rigged?

Warren County elected officials have a responsibility—under the Warren County Code, the Code of Virginia, and their sworn oath—to conduct public business with fairness, transparency, and integrity. These standards exist to protect public trust and ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of all residents.

In recent weeks, community members have raised questions about how certain decisions are being made, particularly those involving appointments to public boards and the handling of service proposals. Some residents are concerned that these processes may not always reflect the full range of public input or follow clearly defined procedures.

The process of appointing individuals to public boards or commissions has generated community interest and thoughtful discussion. Residents have expressed a desire to understand better how candidates are evaluated, what qualifications are emphasized, and whether all applicants receive consistent and fair consideration. In a time when public service roles have a significant impact on the community, it’s reasonable for citizens to seek greater transparency in how such positions are filled.

There has also been public dialogue around the expectations for individuals serving in these roles. According to Virginia Code §42.1-35, individuals appointed to certain public positions must be “fit for such office.” Many interpret this as a commitment to serving the full community, respecting differing viewpoints, and making decisions that reflect the broader public interest.

Additionally, residents have raised concerns about how proposals for contracted services are introduced and evaluated. In one case, a proposal from an outside organization was submitted to the county following informal discussions. While exploring new ideas is an important part of good governance, proposals of this nature should be reviewed through a transparent and official process, with oversight by appropriate county personnel, as outlined in state procurement and administrative codes such as §38A-15.3.

At the center of these conversations is the importance of ethical and accountable governance. Virginia Code §2.2-3103 clarifies that public officials must not use their position in a way that could be viewed as retaliatory or improper. These safeguards help ensure that decisions are based on principles—not politics.

Under §15.2-516, the county administrator is responsible for ensuring that the Board of Supervisors operates within the legal framework set by the Commonwealth of Virginia. When questions arise about whether proper procedures are being followed, county leadership should review and address these concerns with transparency and professionalism.

Warren County residents deserve confidence that their local government operates openly, fairly, and accountable. Public trust is earned when decisions are made with integrity and grounded in the law—never influenced by narrow interests or unclear processes.

John Jenkins
South River District
Warren County, VA

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