Citizens for Fauquier County Intends to Appeal FOIA Decision and Seek Support from Other Organizations

Citizens for Fauquier County (CFFC) intends to appeal a trial-level judge’s informal ruling rejecting the organization’s request for disclosure of thousands of withheld public records related to the data center permit sought by Amazon Data Services, Inc.  CFFC is represented in this matter by the Richmond, Virginia office of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P.  The firm employs over 190 lawyers across 17 offices nationally.  Final decision on the appeal awaits release of the judge’s final order and a vote of CFFC’s Board of Directors.

According to Dale Mullen, a senior partner at the firm and former county attorney, “Government that is open and processes that are fair are able to withstand the light of day.  The Town’s actions reject long-established guidance from the Freedom of Information Act Advisory Council, and invite a cloak of secrecy over localities’ dealings with developers.”

In recognition of the broader threat to transparency that the ruling poses, CFFC, at the encouragement and with the assistance of its law firm, will seek support from other organizations likely affected by this decision, including various organizations that advocate for government transparency and accountability. 

Founded in 1968, Citizens for Fauquier County is the oldest non-profit dedicated to preserving the natural, historical and agricultural resources of Fauquier County and to protect the county’s unique quality of life through education, leadership and advocacy.  The organization is non-partisan and represents hundreds of families and individuals active in conservation efforts.