Rita Smart

Rita Smart left the farm in Nicholas County in 1966 and came to Eastern Kentucky University in search of her dream. Early on she learned that growing tobacco and milking cows wasn't what she wanted to do the rest of her life. In fact, she wanted to get as far away from agriculture as possible.

After receiving a BS degree in vocational home economics from EKU in 1971, she worked for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture for 34 years. As a County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, Rita completed her Master's degree at UK and worked with Madison County families on health, quality of life, parenting and various social issues. She spearheaded committees to develop a county library taxing district, relocating and improving the county fairgrounds and destroying dangerous nerve gas while protecting the beautiful Madison County landscape. She served on Gov. Paul Patton's Early Child Initiatives for certifying childcare workers and training standards. She developed the first Grandparents Raising Grandchild guidelines for the Blue Grass ADD.

It seemed only fitting that Rita continue pushing for community involvement when she ran for Richmond City Commission and overwhelming received the most votes to become the Mayor Pro Tem. Rita shares her energy as Kentucky Plaid Project chair, a UK student learning project that will provide ongoing funds for class projects.

Rita and her husband Richard operate a successful business in downtown Richmond, Bennett House Bed and Breakfast. She mentors her two daughters, Angela Penn and Ashley Tabb, their families, especially the three grandchildren, Hunter and Taylor Penn and Courtney Tabb.

Recently she won her primary election for Kentucky House seat in the 81st district. She now faces a Republican opponent in the November 2010 election. To learn more about her campaign please vist www.ritasmart.com