THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 14, 1996 TAG: 9607130068
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 124 lines
ON JULY 1, the City Council chamber was filled with city officials, statesmen and citizens to witness a changing of the guard.
There was all the requisite pomp and circumstance. Barely a pin dropped as a color guard somberly presented the Suffolk mace. Cameras flashed when the oath of office was read. And at a later reception at Riddick's Folly, officials hobnobbed, ate sesame shrimp and sipped wine.
When City Council meets Wednesday, there will be a change.
Thomas G. Underwood is the new mayor, replacing S. Chris Jones. Charles F. Brown is vice mayor, replacing longtime Vice Mayor Curtis R. Milteer, and City Clerk Henry Murden will be missing. Councilman Leroy Bennett replaces Richard R. Harris as Nansemond Borough representative.
The city attorney's office will fill the clerk's position until a permanent replacement is made.
City Council voted to replace Jones and Milteer. Underwood got five votes, and Jones and Councilwoman Marian ``Bea'' Rogers voted to retain Jones, who has served four years as mayor. It's a deal that Jones said was struck among council members before May's election.
The transition may tip the balance of power toward the southern end of the city. Underwood, 65, represents the Holy Neck Borough, and Brown represents the Cypress Borough.
Said Brown, ``The past council set goals that we won't sway from; those directives will continue . . ., but we need to look to the southern part of Suffolk, bringing economic development.''
The new mayor said his primary concerns are managing growth and promoting industry.
Underwood hopes this year's Comprehensive Land Use Plan addresses some of the issues about rapid growth. But Underwood said some growth is good, especially the kind that spurs commercial development.
``We can't build a wall around Suffolk and say `you can't come in, and you can,' '' said Underwood.
Government service is nothing new to Underwood.
He rose through city ranks to become assistant city manager. He also served as a zoning administrator for the former Nansemond County. Underwood has also served as the city's acting public works director and as an emergency services coordinator. He's helped put together 23 city budgets, he said.
He lost his assistant city manager's position when his job was eliminated by former City Manager Richard L. Hedrick in 1991. Underwood was elected to City Council in 1994.
Brown said he wants more development opportunities in the southern end and plans to advocate against a growing crime problem in the urban core. He'll host a community forum Thursday night at Tabernacle Christian Outreach Life Center.
``I want the community and city working together in partnership to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods,'' Brown said.
Brown was elected to office two years ago. He previously served as a commissioner on the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He said he became a public servant because he ``wanted to give something back'' to citizens. During his council tenure, Brown has been responsible for helping to fund various recreational programs at public schools.
Milteer, the only African-American to serve five consecutive terms, said he has acted as Brown's mentor. Milteer was vice mayor for four years.
``I believe in rotation in order to give other members of council an opportunity to share in the power,'' Milteer explained.
Milteer also endorses a move toward balancing growth in the southern end of the city. He said running water and sewer lines near the U.S. 13-32 corridor and near the airport will spur commercial and industrial growth.
Meanwhile, Jones will continue representing the Chuckatuck Borough for the next two years. He said he hopes the new council will continue to promote regionalism and continue fostering the city's sound financial policies.
Jones was supported by Rogers, who represents the northern area Sleepy Hole borough. Rogers has been the only female on council for more than three decades. Even though Rogers wasn't on the winning team in supporting Jones, she said: ``I'll work with whoever's there. Choices and personalities shouldn't figure into it.''
But she hopes Underwood carries on some of Jones' goals.
``When Chris was mayor, he was very active with the city manager and working with various businesses. He was a person of intelligent vision,'' said Rogers. ``I'm hopeful that will continue.''
The city's housing authority also will have a new face. But not so new.
Pughsville civic leader Mary V. Richardson will return as a commissioner. She previously served on the authority for 10 years. In 1994, former City Councilman Harris decided not to reappoint her in favor of Bennett, who now replaces Harris.
Richardson was newly appointed by Leroy Bennett, who steps down as housing chairman. Richardson was a strong supporter during Bennett's campaign for council, but both deny that politics had anything to do with her appointment.
Richardson, who says she's ``always had housing in her heart,'' plans to fight to improve substandard housing. MEMO: Suffolk City Council meets in council chambers Wednesday at 7 p.m.
at 441 Market St. ILLUSTRATION: CHANGING OF THE GUARD
[Cover, Color photo]
ON THE COVER
Thomas G. Under-wood, Suffolk's new mayor. Staff photo by John H.
Sheally II.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Vice Mayor Charles F. Brown will host a community forum on crime,
public safety and housing inspections Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at
Tabernacle Christian Outreach Life Center, 1309 E. Washington St.,
Suffolk.
U.S. Rep. Norman Sisisky spoke to a packed city council chamber.
The color guard presented the Suffolk mace during the city council
ceremony.
``I'll work with whoever's there,'' said Sleepy Hole councilwoman
Marian B. Rogers.
Staff photos by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Council picked Charles F. Brown as the new vice mayor.
Councilman Curtis R. Milteer said he acted as Charles F. Brown's
mentor. Milteer was vice mayor for four years.
Henry Murden retired as city clerk, a position not yet filled.
S. Chris Jones will continue to represent Chuckatuck. He attended
the ceremony with his wife Karen. by CNB