In response to a recent story in the Washington Post that questioned Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio’s (R-Sterling) use of aides for his office, Loudoun Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott K. York (R-At Large) said he plans to call for an investigation into the matter.
In the article, a former aide for Delgaudio provided information about work she did for the supervisor that appeared to be for his campaign or his private work, and not part of her duties as an aide. York also came under scrutiny in the article because the aide told the reporter she had informed York about the questionable work. York appeared to respond to that suggestion in a news release from the county.
“When the Board’s leadership team was made aware of these allegations against Supervisor Delgaudio, we asked that the complaint filed against Mr. Delgaudio be given to the Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney Jim Plowman for review,” York wrote. “Mr. Plowman then referred the matter to the Commonwealth Attorney’s office in Arlington for an independent assessment. Based on the information provided at that time, the Arlington’s Commonwealth Attorney did not recommend pursuing any charges against Mr. Delgaudio.”
The article also indicated the FBI has been investigating the matter. York said the board, the county attorney nor the county administration had not been contacted by the FBI. However, he also made clear the allegations in the story will be taken seriously.
“These allegations, if true, are at least a violation of county policy and are being taken seriously by the Board,” York said in the release. “Regardless of any ongoing investigation by an outside party, it is imperative that this Board investigate this matter to ensure the integrity of the Board of Supervisors, and take action if a member of the Board has violated those standards.”
Therefore, York wrote, he plans to call for an investigation during Wednesday’s board meeting, as well as ask the board’s Finance, Government Services and Operations Committee to review board policies regarding aides.
Former Supervisor Stevens Miller, a Democrat who parted ways with the Loudoun County Democratic Committee shortly before he left office in 2011, immediately released a statement volunteering to serve on a bipartisan subcommittee he suggested be formed. Earlier today, Miller had called on York to investigate the matter.
"As an immediate past Democratic member of the board, I am volunteering
to serve on any such subcommittee you may form," Miller said. "I am sure you will agree that my participation would go a long way towards rebutting any
suggestion that the committee's investigation of Mr. Delgaudio was
simply a 'whitewash' or other pro forma exercise."
The full text of York's announcement is published below:
Recently, allegations have been made in the media regarding the use of Board staff aides and other government resources for political fundraising by a member of the Board of Supervisors. These allegations, if true, are at least a violation of county policy and are being taken seriously by the Board. The County’s policy for staff aides clearly states that “political activity must not occur using County property or during County paid time.”
When the Board’s leadership team was made aware of these allegations against Supervisor Delgaudio, we asked that the complaint filed against Mr. Delgaudio be given to the Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney Jim Plowman for review. Mr. Plowman then referred the matter to the Commonwealth Attorney’s office in Arlington for an independent assessment. Based on the information provided at that time, the Arlington’s Commonwealth Attorney did not recommend pursuing any charges against Mr. Delgaudio.
It has also been alleged in recent news articles that the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also looking into this matter. At this time, the Board, County Administration or the County Attorney has not been contacted by the FBI.
This Board believes it is incumbent upon any Board of Supervisors to operate with the highest of ethical standards and conduct. Regardless of any ongoing investigation by an outside party, it is imperative that this Board investigate this matter to ensure the integrity of the Board of Supervisors, and take
action if a member of the Board has violated those standards.
To that end, at this Wednesday’s regularly scheduled business meeting, the Chairman will request that the Board vote to conduct its own independent investigation into this matter. Further, the Chairman will ask that the Board have the Finance, Government Services & Operations Committee do a thorough review of all Board Aide Policies.
Stevens Miller