Harter claims council seat

Section: Pinecrest.

School volunteer Nancy Harter narrowly defeated bank executive Dwight Hill at the polls Nov. 2, claiming Seat Three on the Village of Pinecrest’s council.

Harter, Palmetto Middle School’s PTSA president, was the only candidate in Pinecrest elections running against an opponent for the council.

Wednesday, she was sworn in at the village’s new Municipal Hall, along with Gary Matzner, the new mayor, and Gail Serota, who will fill Seat One on the council. Matzner and Serota, both attorneys, were unopposed.

Gathering only about 300 more votes than local bank executive Dwight Hill, Harter said that her stable community presence and a low-budget, grass roots campaign created a positive buzz around Pinecrest and were critical in securing her victory.

During the campaign, Harter stressed educational issues and helping to improve area schools while Hill focused on easing traffic and development pains.

“I spend a tremendous amount of time in the community and now that I’m elected, this isn’t going to change,” she said. “My job now is to remain accessible and to keep my ear to the ground and listen to what people are saying.”

Although a presence at the village’s council meetings, Harter said she still has a lot of catching up to do in preparation for her new position - especially since the next meeting is Tuesday.

“There is a tremendous learning curve and I need to come up to speed very quickly because the village is already putting me to work,” she said.

Portrait Label

HARTER