Councilman Bébhinn Egger issues statement addressing accusations

FRONT ROYAL–  Councilman Bébhinn Egger issued a written statement Wednesday evening to local media, responding to assertions made at the Nov. 28 Town Council meeting.  Her statement:

Councilman Egger says she pledged an oath to the people of Front Royal, not to ITFederal, and she intends to stand by that oath.

“I would like to respond to accusations made Monday night by one of my fellow Councilmen which accused me of having single-handedly changed the course of a $40,000,000 project. These accusations are disappointing, unbelievable, and absurd.  It is our duty, as Councilmen, to ask questions when things don’t make sense.  It is our duty, as Councilmen, to make sure our citizens are getting all the information they need by seeking clarification and transparency on all matters which concern the Town.

It is disturbing to suggest that a company embarking on a $40,000,000 project would be “offended” and “ready to walk away” simply because one member of Council requested clarification and transparent information relating to the verification of contracts for the project.  The questions I asked could be answered in a matter of hours either by the EDA, by Congressman Goodlatte, or by Curt Tran himself.  The Council has still not received answers.  And yet, instead of addressing the issue at hand and seeking answers, my colleagues have pointed the spotlight on my alleged “hostility” toward ITFederal.

I support well-planned economic growth coming to our community, and I want to support companies like ITFederal.  It was an exciting day to stand with Congressman Goodlatte at the groundbreaking over a year ago with the promise of millions of dollars in government contracts and hundreds of jobs coming to our community.  However, it was confusing to hear that the Congressman will do no more than attend a premature groundbreaking to vouch for a company he brought to Front Royal.  I support ITFederal, but I did not pledge an oath to ITFederal.  I pledged an oath to the people of Front Royal, and I intend to stand by that oath, to the best of my abilities.  I implore my colleagues to do the same.”