Democrat Hart runs for Bermuda supervisor

By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Hart

The Democrat who placed second in a three-way race for Bermuda supervisor in 2003 is running again in what is expected to be a two-way race this November. Ree Hart will officially announce her candidacy Thursday at a campaign event at her home.

"The issues I was concerned about four years ago have not been addressed," she said last week. "Residents feel left out so we need leadership that listens."

Last March, Supervisor Dickie King announced that he will not run for reelection. Two Republicans - Bermuda Planning Commissioner Jack Wilson and Dorothy Jaeckle of the Chesterfield Republican Committee - are vying for the Republican nomination.

"King's decision doesn't affect my decision," she said. "There are needs in the district that are not being addressed - that's what drives me, not who my opponent is." She called Wilson's candidacy "more of the same."

Hart has a background in redevelopment and supports workforce housing in her district "when the infrastructure is in place first." Workforce housing is affordable housing for those earning incomes comparable to school teachers and police officers. She is the past president of the Jefferson Davis Association and led the revitalization efforts along the Route 1 corridor including establishing a state Enterprise Zone and the creation of a small business incubator, bringing more than 30 businesses to Chesterfield.

Hart was disappointed that the newly enacted county budget didn't address road problems. "The county put a lot of time and study into transportation issues, but taking one penny out of the real estate property tax rate was the wrong thing to do." She supported the 97 cent property tax rate but wanted it to include a penny set aside for road building.

Like others, she wants more commercial development in Chesterfield, which would lower the property tax rate. "There's too much residential growth and not enough office and retail growth," she said. "We're losing ground from where we were in 2003."

Asked if supervisors should follow the lead of the supervisor in the district where the rezoning request occurs, Hart replied, "The supervisor in the district is better acquainted with zoning cases there...but the whole county is affected so one opinion isn't enough."

"Ree has been very active in community events and issues in her district and knows a lot of voters," said Democratic spokesperson Lynne Cooper. "The party likes her chances."

Hart is a lifelong resident of Chesterfield County, graduating from Thomas Dale High School before attending Longwood College. She is a retired realtor and office manager with four adult children and six grandchildren living in the county.

She is president of the Ampthill Civic Association, past president of the Bensley Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary and past board member and softball coach of the Falling Creek Athletic Association. Hart received the 2007 Warren G. Thompson Community Service Award from the Chester Rotary club and is a member of the Chesterfield Historical Society.