Supervisor Rooker announces candidacy for re-election

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Supervisor Dennis Rooker at an October 2008 MPO Policy Board meeting

Supervisor Dennis Rooker (I-Jack Jouett) has announced that he is a candidate for re-election to a third term on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Rooker was first elected to the Board as an independent in 2001, replacing the late Charlotte Humphris. He declared his candidacy in a speech given at the beginning of the Board’s meeting on March 4, 2009.

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“While we’re having somewhat difficult times right now from an economic standpoint nationally, I’m very optimistic about our community and its prospects,” Rooker said. He listed what he sees as many positives in Albemarle County including a low effective tax rate compared to other communities, a AAA bond-rating, as well as an engaged citizenry.

“We have a parks system that has added over 1,800 acres of parks in the last 8 years,” Rooker said. “We have put in place policies which have helped result in 16% of the entire land in the County being placed in permanent conservation easement for parkland.” He said over the past 8 years, over 30 organizations have recognized Albemarle County and Charlottesville as one of the best places in the country to live. For that reason, Rooker decided he wanted to try for the chance to continue serving as Supervisor.

Rooker was born in Michigan in 1950 and grew up in Pulaski, Va.  He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1968, from UVA with a B.A. in economics in 1972, and from UVA Law School in 1976.  He and his wife, Ann, have 2 daughters, 2 grandsons and a granddaughter. A businessman and attorney, he has lived in Albemarle County for 39 years. He has served on numerous Albemarle County government committees for the past 15 years, including the Planning Commission which he chaired.

The other two incumbents have not yet announced whether or not they will seek re-election. Supervisors Sally Thomas (Samuel Miller) and David Slutzky (Rio) will make their decision later this spring. See Charlottesville Tomorrow's Election Watch page for complete coverage of the County's 2009 elections.

Sean Tubbs