Cynthia L. “Cindi” Burket, the Republican Party’s candidate for the Scottsville District seat on the Albemarle Board of Supervisors, held her official campaign announcement on Wednesday.
The Nov. 5 special election is being held to fill the unexpired term of Democrat Christopher J. Dumler, who resigned June 5.
Burket, 60, spoke at the Albemarle County Office Building and outlined her background and experience.
“Albemarle County-Charlottesville, is a beautiful place to live,” said Burket. “We have the best schools, we have great hospitals, a low unemployment rate, and I am announcing I am running today because I want to be part of that process.”
“I have a bachelor’s in Law Enforcement & Corrections from Penn State University, I have a master’s in Public Administration from George Mason University,” Burket said. “I have been the leader of several women’s organizations in Albemarle County, including the Newcomers Club of Greater Charlottesville, I was the chair of the Albemarle County Republican Committee… and I was president of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Women’s League.”
Burkett ran unsuccessfully for the At-Large seat on the Albemarle County School Board in 2011, a contest won by Ned Gallaway. She said education would be a key priority for her if elected.
“I promise and vow to be an advocate for the schools and education, continuing to fund all relevant programs including art, music and athletics,” said Burket. “I will support school board policies that advance ant-bullying, anti-crime, and promote public safety in our schools.”
Burkett added that she wanted to be part of a “fiscally responsible team” on the board. She said she wants to help create a Comprehensive Plan that “encourages both economic growth and protects our environment.”
Earlier this month, Burket was one of 10 candidates who sought an interim appointment to the district seat. On July 10, the board chose Petie Craddock, a former planning commissioner.
Craddock will serve until after the November special election, at which point the winner will be sworn in and take office immediately.
The Albemarle County Democratic Committee’s deadline for its candidates to declare their intentions is today. The deadline for all candidates, including independents, to qualify to be on the ballot for the Scottsville special election is Aug 16.
