No one recorded the weather on Aug 12, 1776… but history does remember this: the Loudoun County Courthouse bell rang & the Sheriff read the Declaration of Independence aloud — the first time in Virginia. 250 years later, community members, historic societies & local readers gathered at the 1895 Courthouse in Leesburg to mark the anniversary & unveil a new commemorative plaque. Huge thanks to the Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter of @SarHeadquarters & every volunteer (including Descendants of Valley Forge @DVF17771778) who brought the day to life. @TownofLeesburg in @LoudounCoGovt did it first in Virginia… and today we celebrated that proud beginning. Liberty lives on. 🇺🇸

🔎 Setting the record straight on School Resource Officers. Recent coverage may not tell the full story, so I am sharing exactly what happened at the March 5 meeting, why it matters, and what I have done in response. You deserve the facts directly and without spin. Read what actually happened: amy4sterlingsb.com/setting-t…

Northern Virginia continues to thrive as a vibrant hub for small businesses — especially the growing number of women-owned enterprises that are bringing fresh energy, creativity, and community spirit to our region. These inspiring entrepreneurs are truly livening up our neighborhoods and strengthening the local economy in beautiful ways. Delighted to celebrate the grand opening of Bake N’ Flake By Swetha at @OneLoudoun, with Loudoun County Treasurer @HenryForVA and fellow community members as we welcomed this exciting new gem to the area. It’s a wonderful woman-owned bakery showcasing creative fusion cakes and desserts. If you’re in Northern Virginia, this is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves bold flavors and artisanal sweets. Bake N’ Flake By Swetha 44717 Thorndike Street, One Loudoun Ashburn, VA 20148

Last night at the LCPS School Board meeting, I asked direct questions about the proposed Select Committee on School Resource Officers. Here's why it matters. This board is being asked to create a committee to "oversee" MOU negotiations involving the @LoudounSheriff's Office and the @LeesburgPolice Department — two entities that don't report to this board at all. Nobody could explain the legal authority for that last night. There was also no charter presented. No defined membership. No timeline. No scope of authority. Nothing. Meanwhile, here's what the community is actually saying: ✅ 9 out of 10 LCPS principals told me directly — through my school visits and outreach — that they want SROs. ✅ The Lovettsville Town Council passed a unanimous 5-0 resolution just 12 days ago formally asking this board to move the MOU forward and place an SRO at Lovettsville Elementary. Not study it. Act. ✅ Democrat, Independent, and Republican parents in my district have personally asked me why this board won't support SROs for our elementary kids. ✅ A Select Committee controlled by members who have already publicly declared their opposition to SROs is not an impartial process. It is a predetermined outcome dressed up as one. The principals have spoken. The community has spoken. An elected town government has spoken unanimously. I'll keep pushing until the parents of Loudoun County get what they're asking for.

🇺🇸THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS, VOTERS, AND MEMBERS. IT'S A NEW DAY. Friends, I am deeply honored and grateful to have earned your support today as the NEW Chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee. To every volunteer, every voter, and every member who took time out of your day to participate in this important grassroots election—thank you. This victory belongs to you. It reflects your commitment to our principles, your belief in our committee and party, and your desire to see Loudoun Republicans united, focused, and winning again. I also want to thank Former Chairman Scott Pio for his service as Chairman. Serving in this role is no small task. We may have had differences, but today is about moving forward. Now, the real work begins. We are going to rebuild this committee into a strong, professional, and effective organization—one that is focused on winning elections and earning the trust of voters across Loudoun County. That means putting data to work to guide strategy, outreach, and turnout. It means recruiting and training strong candidates, supporting them every step of the way, and building the kind of volunteer infrastructure that wins races. Just as importantly, it means ending the division that has held us back. We are ONE Republican Party. And we will act like it. We are going to be a big tent—welcoming, inclusive, and focused on growing our coalition. We will engage communities we have not reached in the past. We will listen more. We will show up more. And we will make the case—clearly and confidently—for why Republican principles deliver freedom, security, and opportunity for every family in Loudoun County. This committee will be grounded in integrity, accountability, and respect. We will treat each other as teammates, not adversaries. We will focus on solutions, not distractions. And we will measure success the only way that matters: by winning. The future of this county—and our Commonwealth—depends on what we do next. Let’s get to work. With gratitude and determination, George Taplin The New: Chairman! Loudoun County Republican Committee