Opinion: Town Hall Meeting Needed on Water Wars

Activity has increased in recent weeks in the water litigation between Falls Church City and Fairfax County.  Settlement offers have been made and rejected, Falls Church has filed a counterclaim, and has won the right to join the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as a third party defendant.  It appears that action is intensifying, yet most people in town still know little about the matter, even though its impact could be great.

In my view, it is time for City officials to hold a Town Hall meeting on the matter to let the public ask questions.  What is the history of this matter?  Why did we sue Fairfax County Water Authority in Federal court?  Why did FCWA then sue us in state court?  Why have we counterclaimed?  How much money is at issue?  What is being done to resolve the issue out of court?

We understand that there are questions the city will not be able to answer due to ongoing litigation, but there are many that can be answered, like those above.  City officials should discuss this matter with residents at the earliest opportunity and explain what can be explained.