Palmer announces bid for Supervisor
Veterinarian Lizbeth Palmer has announced she will seek the Democratic nomination for the Samuel Miller district on the Albemarle Board of Supervisors.
“I plan to focus my effort on supporting excellence in our schools, natural resource protection, and maintaining the public trust,” Palmer said at an announcement Thursday at the county office building.
Palmer presently owns and operates Charlottesville End of Life Pet Care, a business that provides in home hospice care for companion animals.
Her campaign manager is Sally Thomas, who held the seat for 16 years as an independent. Thomas said she supports Palmer because of her dedication to water issues.
“She joined others like the League of Women Voters and the Chamber of Commerce in urging local government to completely revise our system of water storage,” Thomas said.
Thomas appointed Palmer to the Albemarle County Service Authority in 2006, but she was not reappointed when Republican Duane Snow succeeded Thomas.
Snow’s original choice, Marvin Hilton, died while in office and Palmer was once again asked to serve in order to help oversee the community water supply plan. Charlottesville City Council and the Board of Supervisors approved the plan in January 2012.
Now, Palmer wants to challenge face Snow in the November 5 general election. She is the only candidate currently seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination.
Palmer said her time researching water and sewer issues has prepared her to serve as a Supervisor.
“I have experience working with environmental groups, the business community, and county and city government to realize large projects that take years to build,” Palmer said.
There are two other races in Albemarle this year
In the Rio district, Republican Rodney Thomas has announced he will seek a second term. A Democratic challenger has yet to emerge.
School board member Diantha McKeel is running for the chance to succeed Dennis Rooker for the Jack Jouett district seat. She is running as an independent.
“I am confident that we will have someone who will run against McKeel,” said Cindi Burket, chair of the Albemarle Republican Committee.
Burket said her party will nominate its candidates at a mass meeting which will be held sometime before June 11.
The Albemarle Democratic Committee has not yet announced a date for a caucus to make its nominations.