News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 2, 2025
Local News
Candidate for New Kent County Sheriff: Joe McLaughlin Jr.
Experience: Completing four-year term as New Kent Sheriff, 38 years of experience with New Kent County Sheriff’s Office, continued community involvement. Reason for running: “I enjoy the job, this county, and the people I serve. I feel like New Kent is the best county in the state. I am proud of the people I work with not only in this county, but in public safety.” Why people should vote for you: “I feel like that as an office, we are making a true difference in the community. I want to continue to ensure having safety in our county by working…
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Candidate for Charles City Commonwealth’s Attorney: Rob Tyler
Experience: Twelve years as Charles City’s Commonwealth’s Attorney. Three years as assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in James City County. Reason for running: “I have enjoyed representing Charles City for the last 12 years and I feel like I’ve done a good job.” Why people should vote for you: “I play by the rules and I play fair. I work hard to make sure the right things happen in the Charles City courts.”
Candidate for New Kent School Board-District 5: Gail Hardinge
Experience: Life-long educator with 19 years in grades K-12 and 16 years in higher education, work involving developing educational programs for veterans, named Virginia School Board Association Regional Board member of the Year, chairwoman for CodeRVA, “Women in Innovation” award recipient from Virginia Information Technologies Agency. Reason for running: “I am passionate about providing the best learning environment for all students. Education is the key to a child’s door to the future, whether it be alternative routes, work force certifications, college, or sheltered employment for children with special needs. Parents and schools can work together to create continuing success for…
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Candidate for Charles City School Board At-Large: Royce Paige
Editor’s Note: Royce Paige did not submit any information for publication.
Candidate for New Kent School Board-District 4: Paul Ross
Experience: Twenty-seven years in the Navy, 15 years in federal government that includes leadership and budget experience. Reason for running: “New Kent schools are doing well but I think they can do a bit better. I want to see better job preparing courses (such as vocational education), focus on life skills, and expand curriculum.” Why people should vote for you: “I’m making a commitment of my time to New Kent schools. I will improve on the school’s communication and transparency with the public.”
Candidate for Charles City School Board- At-large: Preston Adkins
Experience: Twelve years on Charles City School Board, member of church council, caregiver. Reason for running: “Enough people feel I’m doing a good job and I feel like I need to be back in. I am going to try to be a voice for the people.” Why people should vote for you: “People should vote for me because I do the right and thing and I am fair. I’m not going to make everybody happy, but I want to do what’s right for the kids and the employees.”
Candidate for New Kent School Board-District 4: Sarah Grier-Barber
Experience: Eight years serving on New Kent’s School Board, achieved highest level of VSBA training, involved in schools including professional architect specializing in design and planning educational facilities. Reason for running: “As the mother of two New Kent students, I’m fully invested in improving and supporting our schools. With in-depth knowledge of the schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia, I will continue to work hard to give every student the best possible chance for success throughout their education journey. Why people should vote for you: “Our schools are strong, but I can believe that we can do better. I am…
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Candidate for Charles City School Board- District 3: Martha Harris
Experience: Eight years on Charles City’s School Board, eight years working in VCU, 35 years of government experience. Reason for running: “I have seen the continued growth and work in the school system. I want to devote time to the community and continue the progress we have made.” Why people should vote for you: “I’ve shown dedication to the county and the community, both old and young alike. I’m a product of Charles City schools, as well as my kids and grandchildren. I am invested in making the best choices in the interest of the children.
Candidate for New Kent School Board-District 3: Andrea Staskiel
Experience: Completing four-year term on New Kent School Board, 22 years of business management leadership experience, budget management experience. Reason for running: “I have my own unique education story that is non-traditional. I went to the workforce straight after high school and eventually owned my own business. I decided to go back to college in my 30s and I went to college [Rappahannock Community, William & Mary] and graduated Summa/Magna Cum Laude. I think I can add value to the student who think it’s too late for them to change their trajectory.” Why people should vote for you: “I am…
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Candidate for Charles City School Board- District 2: Rodney Tyler
Experience: Worked as fatherhood specialist I James City County Schools, one-to-one interaction with students. Reason for running: “The morale is real low around here and the kids feel like there is no support. I want to change the focus around here and I want the kids to trust us and ask us for help and advice. We can’t do this on our own.” Why people should vote for you: “I am going to bring more changes and help boost morale. I want to get educators more involved and hire those trained in that position. A teacher can’t teach outside their…
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