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Town Council

Office of the Mayor

Robert J. Hardy

Robert Hardy, Mayor Pro Tem

Everyone knows Bob Hardy – he is a town institution, seen outside his shop Jason's Antiques with a gathering of neighbors and friends. He has lived in Bolivar so long he can't remember exactly when he moved here. And he has been involved in public service for just as long, having served 22 years as Town Council member, including four years as Town Recorder, and another four years as Mayor Pro Tem. He's also been a member of the Public Service District for the last 22 years, and taken leadership roles in local organizations like the Moose Lodge (of which he is a lifetime member); the Oddfellows; and the Bolivar Police Commission. In the most recent town election of June 2, 2009, Bob won his bid for Mayor of Bolivar.

Bob was born and raised on a dairy farm on Loudoun Heights in Neersville, where his brother still lives. After graduating from Loudoun County High School in 1959, Bob found work at the Hazleton Research Lab in Vienna, VA. He was later employed at an inhalation toxicology lab in Reston, where he soon ran his department. He returned to Hazleton to work in the primates division, preparing monkeys for nationwide research (during the ebola scare). He retired in 1991, having opened his antiques shop in 1977 for weekends only until his retirement. He is married and has one son and two stepchildren.

Bob is proud of his achievements. During his tenure on the Council, the Bolivar Community Center, Bolivar Medical Center and the Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library and the Children's Park were established; streets have been regularly maintained; funding from the Charles Town Racetrack continues to benefit our parks, police force and fire company. As Mayor, Mr. Hardy wants to continue to provide strong experienced leadership.

Bob initially decided to get involved with the Council because he always felt that Bolivar was such a nice place to live. He hopes that residents will always try to work together "in peace and harmony" despite our very independent, individual ways. Bob describes his time in Bolivar as a "good journey." His fervent wish: to "make sure we preserve what we got."

Town Administrator

Laura Whittington

Recorder

P. Jean Reed

P. Jean Reed

Jean Reed decided to run for Recorder in the 2003 election after Councilmen Stewart and Heafer approached her about the position. The Council needed someone steady and reliable to fill the important spot, and they’d thought of her. Jean has served continuously since. Jean has lived in Bolivar for the last 43 years, raising four daughters here with her now late husband. She’s worked as secretary at C.W. Shipley Elementary School since 1973, the year after it opened. Her professional secretarial skills greatly benefit the town. Besides transcribing Council meeting minutes, she assists with the Town budget, oversees Town elections, and primes newly-elected Council members on proper procedures and town ordinances. She enjoys the challenges of keeping the Town organized and prepared.

Bolivar Town Council Members:

  • John Paul Heafer, Mayor Pro Tem

    John Paul Heafer

    John Paul Heafer's roots go deep in Bolivar. His grandparents and parents lived and died here; they are all buried in old Harper Cemetery. John Paul has lived here all of his life, too, and worked here most of it. In 1980 he started working for the town sewer plant, until 1989 when he switched over to the water company. Except for a brief hiatus (he tried his hand at train conducting), he has been with the water company ever since. He has served 22 consecutive years on the Bolivar Town Council – his initial reason for running being to guard against irresponsible building in town and to keep Bolivar streets safe. His main concern now is striking a balance between growth and control. He remains resident expert of the town's streets and water system.

  • Frank Donadio

    Frank Donadio

    Frank moved to Bolivar nine years ago from Northern Virginia, having missed the close-knit sense of community of his native New England. He and his family found that quality of life again here. Frank has been active in national political organizations, unions and in his position with Verizon Communications. He spends much time with his school-aged daughters, one of whom is special needs. He would like to protect the things that make Bolivar unique, with the understanding that not all change is good, but there is always room for improvement. He feels that by encouraging community participation and organization, collectively we can work together towards a better Bolivar.

  • Helen Dettmer

    Helen Dettmer

    Helen has lived in town for the last 19 years, having chosen Bolivar for its small-town atmosphere & natural beauty. She’s served over three years on the Bolivar Planning Commission (two years as its President). Combining her nine years of being a small business owner and her current part-time job in the Jefferson County GIS/Addressing Office, she’s got plenty of practical experience and know-how on her side. Her ability to work well with others and communicate effectively would serve the people of Bolivar well.

  • Victoria Eckert

    Victoria Eckert

    Vicki has lived in Bolivar since starting first grade here when her parents decided to move back home to raise their daughter. Since then, she has raised her own family in Bolivar and remains very active in the community. She’s worked at the Bolivar Medical Center for almost 17 years, and for the last ten years has volunteered with Jefferson County Youth Soccer League, serving as Regional Commissioner since 2006. Now Vicki wants to give back to the community. A vibrant community member herself, as Council member, she would like to see Bolivar residents pull together in consciously making a path for our town's future by participating at town meetings, elections, and community events.

  • David Kardok

    Dave Kardok

    Two years ago, David Kardok joined and served on the Bolivar Planning Commission to be "a part of the growth and evolution of the community" and help to effect proper planning for the future of the town. A Bolivar resident now for six years, and having regularly attend Town Council meetings during that time, Dave decided to run for the Town Council and put his skills to more effective use.

    When Dave and his partner Tony Workman bought the old Frances Tushing house on Washington Street, they'd done so with the intention of reselling it once they'd restored and rebuilt it. But their plans changed as work on the house progressed. The neighborhood really began to appeal to them. David admits that he "came for the historical aspects of town, and stayed because of the people."

    David was born in Connecticut and grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelors of Science degree at the University of Massachusetts, but has primarily worked at carpentry, with an emphasis on custom cabinetry. He has always had a fascination for old houses, and enjoys restoring and preserving old things.

    He enjoys the precision and organization of his work and the satisfaction of seeing a project through to completion - many of the same skills his Council seat requires. David strongly feels that the key to Bolivar's future is maintaining healthy communications between citizens and town officials.

Council meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM. Meetings are held at the Bolivar Community Center on Panama Street. (304-535-2476)

Newsletters:

Bolivar Community Center rentals:

The Bolivar Community Center is available to anyone interested in hosting an event. The cost of the rental for the building is a deposit of $125.00 and a rental fee of $75.00. This fee is a daily rental. Your deposit will be returned to you providing that there are no damages reported after your rental. If you would like to rent the kitchen facility as well, that would be an additional cost of $25.00. This fee only applies if you would like to use the gas stove. Please contact the Town office at 535-2476 for availability.

Licenses and Permits:

  • Bolivar Business License
    Anyone interested in conducting business in the Corporation of Bolivar must obtain a Bolivar Business license. The applicant is required to pay a $15.00 fee and provide a copy of their WV State Business License. The State Business license is mandatory before a Bolivar license will be issued. The licenses are dated for one year beginning in June with their renewal in July. Completed applications and the required fees may be submitted to the Town Office during regular business hours.