News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | September 16, 2026
Local News
Ed Branch- Charles City candidate for Sheriff
Experience- Three years of law enforcement experience; 28 years of managing budgets, facilities, people, payroll, and scheduling. Reason for running- “I have a vision for the sheriff’s department and want to bring godly and moral conduct in the sheriff’s office. I want to make sure that the sheriff’s office display those qualities when working with citizens.” Why should people vote for you?- “I know how to serve the people of the county because of Jesus Christ. He taught us how to serve and I believe that the first goal of the sheriff’s office is to serve the citizens of Charles…
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E. Preston Adkins- Charles City candidate for School Board, At-large
Experience- Completing four-year term on Charles City’s school board; has served eight years in total. Attendee of educational conferences for school improvement. Reason for running- “Several people have asked me to do it again. I wasn’t planning but people are liking the job that I’m doing for the kids and the community.” Why should people vote for you?- “I want to make sure parents, employees, and students are content and satisfied with what I am doing for the schools. I also want them to know that they have someone they can approach with their concerns.”
Denise Burrell Smith- Charles City candidate for Commissioner of Revenue
Experience- Thirty-plus years of experience serving as Charles City’s Commissioner of Revenue. Reason for running- “I want to continue to serve and help the people. I love what I do and want to continue to provide for the citizens of the county.” Why should people vote for you?- “I’m totally committed to the community, the citizens, and Charles City County. I will continue to represent and fulfill my duties as Commissioner of Revenue.”
David Ledbetter- Charles City candidate for Board of Supervisors, District 3
Experience- Served on volunteer boards of government; chaired Charles City’s Board of Equalization and CTE Advisory Council. Thirty-three years as lawyer, including six years representing U.S. Department of Justice. Reason for running- “I like to serve and give back to the community. I believe I can provide an effective leadership to addressing issues facing the county. I want to continue to support several areas of the county including local schools.” Why should people vote for you?- “I’m very qualified for the position. I will listen and do my best to keep the public informed about county government and continue to…
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William “Bill” Coada- Charles City candidate for Board of Supervisors, District 2
Experience- Completing four-year term on county’s board of supervisors; 30-plus years of business experience. Reason for running- “We [board of supervisors] have done so many good things in the county and we have moved in a totally different direction. I believe that this county can continue to grow and I want to keep it going in this direction.” Why should people vote for you?- “What I have done in the last three-and-a-half years show and reflect my desire and what I do for this county. I believe in the vision that this county has to move forward and I believe…
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Alan Jones Sr.- Charles City candidate for Sheriff
Experience- Law enforcement experience since 1984. Has worked as first line supervisor, field training instructor, and school resource office; certified DARE instructor. Reason for running- “I’m trying to make this county a better place. I want more citizen involvement and I want to get the community to help us deter crime. I will incorporate more community policing and more investigating to solve crimes.” Why should people vote for you?- “As far as experience and commitment to the county, I believe I have the qualities to make this county a better place as sheriff. I want the sheriff’s department to earn…
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C. Tommy Tiller- New Kent candidate for Board of Supervisors, District 2
Experience- Completing four-year term on New Kent Board of Supervisors; spent eight years on New Kent’s Planning Commission. Reason for running- “I want to continue to give back to the county. I feel like I have worked hard in the past years and want to continue to help the county and the community grow.” Why should people vote for you?- “I tried to be fair for all of New Kent in my decisions, but have worked hard to represent District 2. I voted the way people felt in my district and will continue to listen to hem and do so…
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Thomas Evelyn- New Kent candidate for Board of Supervisors, District 1
Experience- Eight years on New Kent Board of Supervisors; appointed to State Board of Forestry by former governor. Member of Parks and Recreation Advisory and Capital Workforce committees. Reason for running- “I’ve grown up in New Kent and it has been very good to me and my family. I feel like I can give back to New Kent what it has given to me. I am running because of the constituents and want to be engaged with them. Why should people vote for you?- “Because of my record. I ran eight years ago and had a goal in mind to…
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Sarah Grier Barber- New Kent candidate for School Board, District 4
Experience- Twenty years as professional architect with specialty in educational planning and construction. Currently completing four-year term on New Kent school board. Reason for running- “The first few years that I have on the school board were used for understanding the job and I believe that I can apply my knowledge and continue to represent New Kent. I am excited about the plans for the future.” Why should people vote for you?- “I endeavor to make the best decisions for students, schools, and employees of New Kent County. I will continue to make sound decisions for New Kent schools.”
Ron Stiers- New Kent candidate for Board of Supervisors, District 4
Experience- Completing four-year term on board of supervisors; 35 years in the photography business that includes management skills. Reason for running- “I enjoy what I do and I love the people of New Kent. I enjoy helping them out and I am proud of my record.” Why should people vote for you?- “When people read my record, not only have I accomplished achievements for District 4, but I have done it for New Kent County as well. I am currently working with a few businesses and I want to continue to work with them.”
