THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 2, 1996 TAG: 9607020237
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 72 lines
Thomas G. Underwood, who has served in Suffolk city government for 25 years, became mayor Monday, unseating S. Chris Jones.
Underwood got five votes for mayor.
Only Jones and Councilwoman Marian ``Bea'' Rogers voted to retain Jones, who has served four years as mayor.
The City Council then unanimously elected Charles F. Brown as vice mayor. He replaces Curtis R. Milteer, who stepped down after nearly two decades in office.
Leroy Bennett, who defeated Richard R. Harris in May, was earlier sworn in as the Nansemond borough's councilman.
``It's a far piece from the Nansemond County Courthouse to that chair,'' said Underwood, 65, as he pointed to the mayor's seat. With friends and family nearby, Underwood recalled that he had begun his career as a zoning administrator in the old Nansemond County.
Underwood rose through Suffolk's ranks to become assistant city manager. He also served as the city's acting public works director and as an emergency services coordinator. He lost his assistant city manager's job when his position was eliminated by former City Manager Richard L. Hedrick in 1991. Underwood was elected to City Council in 1994.
During his tenure on the council, Underwood has closely monitored the city staff, poring over thick budget documents and ordinances and asking detailed questions.
He said he plans to continue his close scrutiny as mayor.
``If the council doesn't check, who does?'' Underwood asked.
City Manager Myles E. Standish said he plans to meet with Underwood soon to discuss Underwood's priorities.
Jones will continue representing the Chuckatuck borough during the remaining two years of his term. He said he will now have more time with his wife and 5-year-old daughter.
``Such is life,'' said Jones has he munched on hors d'oeuvres at a reception following the ceremony at Riddick's Folly museum.
``The good Lord works in mysterious ways. I've been blessed with four years that I didn't think I'd have,'' he said.
Jones was elected to City Hall 10 years ago at age 27, bursting on the scene wearing sneakers and a mouth full of braces.
George Barnett, who served as Suffolk's mayor during the early 1980s, said it's difficult to compare the leadership styles of Underwood and Jones.
``I think Mayor Jones has done a great job, but Mayor Underwood will do a good job, too. He's (Underwood) had many years in municipal government. It's a good transition,'' said Barnett.
The council also appointed a new housing authority commissioner Monday.
Longtime Pughsville civic leader Mary V. Richardson was nominated by Bennett to fill the seat he vacated to join the council. Richardson previously served on the authority for 10 years. In 1994, former City Councilman Richard R. Harris decided not to re-appoint her in favor of his choice, which was Bennett.
Also on Monday, Standish named Maj. William A. Freeman acting police chief. Freeman replaces Gilbert F. Jackson, who retired June 30. Freeman, 47, has been deputy chief since January. He assumes command of the 116-member department while city officials search for a permanent replacement. MEMO: Staff Writer Susie Stoughton contributed to this report ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]
Thomas G. Underwood, 65, at right, beacome mayor Monday, unseating
S. Chris Jones, above, who has served for four years. The council
unanimously elected Charles F. Brown as vice mayor. He replaces
longtime official Curtis R. Milteer. The council also appointed a
new housing authority commissioner and an acting police chief.
Charles F. Brown
KEYWORDS: SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL SUFFOLK MAYOR by CNB