Pledging to serve the people

Above, New Kent Sheriff-Elect Joe McLaughlin Jr. (left) places his hand on his family Bible held by wife Robin as he takes the pledge from Ninth Circuit Court Judge B. Elliott Bondurant (right) during an oath ceremony on Dec. 22 inside New Kent Courthouse. Each elected official stood in front of a packed courthouse and recited commitments to serve in their respective capacities. At bottom, New Kent's newly elected board of supervisors (l to r) Thomas Evelyn, C. Tommy Tiller, Patricia Paige, Ron Stiers, and Ray Davis pose for a picture for the county's website.

Andre' Jones photos