Tensions are running deep among the county's top officials as demonstrated by a series of letters between Supervisor Mick Staton (R-Sugarland Run) and Chairman Scott York (I-At Large).
Staton started things off on March 22 with a letter to York addressing what Staton called "an untenable situation."
The situation involved York's paid legislative aide, Bob Lazaro. Lazaro is a Purcellville Town Council member and has turned heads recently as a vocal member of a group of western Loudoun activists who want to form a separate county.
The idea of secession arose after the Virginia Supreme Court threw out strict growth restrictions in the west a month ago.
Staton contended that Lazaro had a conflict of interest as both a paid county employee and a proponent of splitting the county.
"If he cannot choose whether he wants to represent the entire county as your aide, or those who want to divide us, I expect you to decide for him," Staton wrote.
YORK RESPONDED immediately with a letter decrying what he called Staton's "suggestion that I violate Mr. Lazaro's First Amendment Rights as a citizen of the United States to express his opinions."
York continued with a list of Staton's votes in the past year that were contrary to his own, calling them "the real and genuine concerns" of residents.
York then defended his aide with some jabs at Staton: "I have the utmost confidence in his abilities, integrity and honesty and you could learn much from him. I am certain that you can only hope to learn what he has forgotten about local government."
York also revealed that Lazaro has already decided to accept a position in the private sector and would be resigning as his aide. Lazaro will remain on the Town Council. He finished by suggesting that Staton lock up his stationery, as "I am hard pressed to believe that any elected official would send such a ridiculous letter that is purportedly signed by yourself."
STATON'S RESPONSE came the next day.
"Your lack of professionalism towards your colleagues is only matched by your lack of respect for the truth which you have trampled on for the last five years," he wrote.
He addressed each of York's contentions on his votes point-by-point and concluded with a renewed criticism of York's support for Lazaro.
"I will take your unprofessional response to my letter to mean that since you would choose to retain Mr. Lazaro in his position as your representative, you then support the idea that Loudoun County should be split into two new entities," Staton wrote. "I will leave it to you to explain to your constituents who live east of Route 15 why you support this position."
All three letters were copied to the entire Board of Supervisors and provided to members of the media.
LAZARO HIMSELF declined to name the company where he will begin working April 15, but he did say he will remain local.
He did have a response to Staton's criticism.
"I'm American," he said. "Everyone has the right to free speech even if they're not Mick Staton."
Lazaro's announcement of his new position came on the heels of York's own announcement that he will be taking a job as an executive with ServiceStar Development Co. The Denver-based company focuses on commercial development.
York has said he will recuse himself from votes concerning ServiceStar developments in Loudoun.