Lori Rea, of Shepherdstown

Lori Rea, of Shepherdstown, announced that she has officially filed papers with the West Virginia Secretary of State enabling her to begin raising funds for a campaign to represent the people of Jefferson County for the 57th House District. The incumbent, Delegate John Doyle has filed similar papers.

She has also established a campaign web site at www.reafordelegate.org

“Like other Jefferson County citizens, I’m very disappointed by the lack of leadership and collaboration on behalf of the Eastern Panhandle in the statehouse. I’m willing to work hard, in concert with our other legislative delegates, in order to solve our shared issues,” Rea said. “It’s time we take seriously our collective responsibility for electing leaders who understand the importance of cooperation. I’ve worked hard professionally to become a respected voice, to look after the welfare of our citizens and to serve them with professionalism, pride and passion. It is that kind of leadership that we need in Charleston.”

Rea has spent the last few years serving constituents from all walks of life – from her West Virginia start as a small businesswoman to her current position as Executive Director of the Gateway New Economy Council where she serves the Eastern Panhandle region that include Jefferson, Berkeley & Morgan counties.

“Gateway is an organization that identifies the regional challenges and then empowers our members to join together in order to improve our public school system, promote economic development, and create a positive image of eastern West Vitginia.” She said her efforts to create and maintain balance between educational programs, job creation and enterprise development will result in better employment opportunities for graduating students and a fundamentally stronger local economy.

While this is Rea’s first run for public office, she is no stranger to public service. Lori currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation and is a member of the Shepherdstown Rotary.

Her previous service includes membership on the Friends of The Shepherdstown Riverfront Board of Directors, the Shenandoah Community Health Board of Directors [where she chaired their Strategic Planning effort], board membership on the Friends of the National Conservation Training Center and service as past President of the Shepherdstown Visitors Center. She is still a member of the Shepherdstown Business Association.

Rea hopes to extend her grassroots work to include shaping state policy. “My work on these issues has given me valuable skills in seeking unique solutions to problems and gaining agreement among opposing groups. These are qualities that we need in our delegates so that together we can create solutions that serve the needs of both the 57th District AND the Eastern Panhandle.

“Just as importantly, our region has much to offer the state and I’m eager to collaborate with the rest of the West Virginia legislature to make this happen. I’ve had the chance to work on several statewide initiatives and have already established relationships that will serve me well as your representative. Through my professional activities I’ve already established close relationships with the entire Eastern Panhandle Legislative delegation,” Lori said.

“I’ve also spent several months speaking to citizens and business owners across the region who have encouraged me to run.” she said. “I intend to demonstrate to the voters of the Fifty-seventh District that I am the right leader in these challenging times.”

The 57th District encompasses the northern half of Jefferson County and includes Shepherdstown, Kearneysville, Shenandoah Junction, Bakerton and Harpers Ferry.

“Lori Rea – Standing Up For The Panhandle!”