The allegations against two Herndon Town Council Members are based on their participation in the Juneteenth Celebration and concern over partisan interference in local elections.

Councilmembers Pradip Dhakal, and Cesar Del Aguila are both running for re-election in the Herndon Town Council elections. They have been accused of sponsoring Juneteenth personally. This act raised questions about their use of public office for personal gain, as they could have violated section 2.5 of Herndon’s Code of Ethics.

Dhakal has also been the subject of controversy following his recent endorsement by Fairfax County Democratic Committee. This led to Dhakal being featured prominently on a ballot sample, a privilege not given to Kevin LeBlanc, his fellow Democrat. Residents are concerned that this selective endorsement may have a negative impact on the nonpartisan nature Herndon’s local government.

Anonymous source claims that these actions have undermined the integrity of council and calls for elected officials to be held more accountable.

Del Aguila called the allegations “bull puck” and denied that the event was sponsored for the personal benefit of the council. He said the council had always prioritized the best interest of the town.

Dhakal explained that the Fairfax County Democratic Committee held a caucus in which he won the majority. This secured his endorsement.

As part of the process, candidates agreed to support the winning candidate if their names were not selected.

Fairfax Democrats data shows that Dhakal received 56.93% and LeBlanc 43.07% of the votes. Dhakal is listed in the race for mayor as an individual, while LeBlanc openly identifies as a Democrat.

In a caucus statement, Fairfax Democrats Chair Aaron Yohai said: “I’m excited to see the candidates who are running for our endorsement engaging Democratic voters this Summer.” We look forward to another successful endorsement vote in Herndon, following our county-wide caucus last year for the School Board race.

Del Aguila, in response to allegations of personal gain, acknowledged that he had contributed financially to the celebrations for Juneteenth but denied all claims. His support for the Juneteenth celebration was motivated by his desire to introduce residents to different cultural events. Del Aguila, who is committed to expanding Herndon’s multicultural initiatives has received support from local residents.

“I want to let everyone know that I am in favor of multicultural events.” “I don’t think I will get anything at all,” del Aguila stated.

On the flyer for the celebration, the Town Council decided to donate $15,000 from taxpayer funds. The logos of the three Council members, Dhakal, del Aguila and Donielle Scherff (who is currently serving her first-term and will not be running again) were also placed on the flyer. Dhakal’s logo appears in the flier and on Dhakal’s Facebook page.

Dehakal had not responded to the interview request by the time of publication.

Barbara Glakas is a Herndon resident and writer who pointed out the Town Council had approved a taxpayer-funded contribution for the Que Pasa Latino Festival where del Aguila appears to have been the master of ceremonies.

Glakas, despite her support of the Juneteenth Celebration and other events based in the community, is worried about the way the funding was handled. She also objects to the use of the campaign logos for some Town Council Members on event advertisements.

Glakas stated that “even if the council members donate personally to an event, if it’s funded by taxpayer money, then I think that is unethical and inappropriate for them to make use of that event to do any type of campaigning.”

The Community Cultural Festivals Policy Statement states that the Town does not promote or endorse political or religious activities.

Bill Campenni has lived in Herndon, Virginia, for more than 50 years. He’s seen the conflicts that have erupted among Democrats. He fears that political attention may have been shifted to party division.

Campenni stated that using an event to promote a political cause feels “exploitation” of the individuals in the organisation hosting the event.

Campenni said, “I’m not sure if we are at that stage yet.” Campenni remembered when the city voted to remove the council’s entire membership in 2006. “But, I believe people will reach a certain point and say ‘get rid of all. It doesn’t matter if you are fellow Democrats, or what have you.