From: paul leonard <pjleonardsales@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 10:42:59 AM
To: eric.maybach@fauquiercounty.gov <eric.maybach@fauquiercounty.gov>; Carter Nevill <cnevill@warrentonva.gov>
Subject: Subject: December 2, 2025 Invitation and Transparency Concerns
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Gentlemen,
Through a recent FOIA release, residents became aware of a December 2, 2025 email from Mr. Art Lickunas inviting members of Warrenton’s governing body — along with what he described as a circle of “big thinkers” , to a private steak dinner while the Gigaland project remains under consideration.
Even absent any stated agenda, the optics of a developer hosting an exclusive gathering for public officials and selected influencers during an active and highly controversial process raise legitimate concerns about transparency. In matters of this scale, public confidence depends not only on propriety, but on the clear appearance of it.
You were elected by your constituents, and the prevailing sentiment across much of Fauquier is clear: the majority DOES NOT support rezoning rural land for industrial-scale uses. Many of us have seen this pattern unfold before. I lived in Prince William County and worked in Loudoun County when both were still largely rural. The same assurances were offered then. The same pressures were applied. The results are now plain to see. To suggest that the same trajectory could not occur here ignores well-established precedent.
Residents opposed this project at the outset and continue to do so. Engagement between developers and officials on matters with such lasting consequences should occur in open settings where the public can observe and participate. That is how trust is maintained and how representative government is meant to function.
Fauquier still has a choice. We should make it clear and publicly!
Respectfully,
Paul Leonard
From: Carter Nevill <cnevill@warrentonva.gov>
Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2026 10:32 AM
Subject: FW: Subject: December 2, 2025 Invitation and Transparency Concerns
From: Carter Nevill <cnevill@warrentonva.gov>
Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2026 10:23 AM
To: paul leonard <pjleonardsales@gmail.com>; eric.maybach@fauquiercounty.gov
Subject: Re: Subject: December 2, 2025 Invitation and Transparency Concerns
Mr Leonard,
Thank you for your email. The town of Warrenton recently voted to remove data centers as an allowable use. I have no authority in county matters.
It was an enjoyable dinner. The conversation was very general and focused on the economic challenges that the town and county are facing. No active or pending applications were discussed.
Enjoy your weekend.
Carter
Warrenton Public Advisory Committee Discussion 
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