Henrico supervisors choose chairman

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors did what it does best last night -- stuck with what it knows will work.

But in doing so, the board broke with a long-standing tradition.

On a 4-0 vote with one abstention, the supervisors chose David A. Kaechele to serve a second straight term as chairman.

In recent memory, the board's vice chairman one year has become the chairman the next. But Patricia S. O'Bannon, last year's vice chairwoman, was passed over in favor of Kaechele.

"I have a very high regard for Mr. Kaechele, but I also have a very high regard for the long-standing tradition of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors," O'Bannon said after not saying "aye" for Kaechele. She then abstained from the vote.

Kaechele said he was honored to again serve as chairman -- it'll be the eighth time he has filled the yearlong role since he joined the board in 1979 -- but said it wouldn't come without hard work.

"We all know the shortfalls we will have to live with this year," Kaechele said.

"I think this board is dedicated to living within our income."

He said the souring economy might cost the county some capitalimprovement projects.

O'Bannon, who was selected to return as vice chairwoman, said earlier in the day that her position on two key issues during the past two years may have cost her the chance to return to the chairwoman role she filled in 1999 and 2004.

She said her support of a mosque in Lakeside and questioning of a land deal in Short Pump put her at odds with Kaechele, Richard W. Glover and James B. Donati Jr.

She said she hoped that wouldn't cost her the top spot but wouldn't be surprised if that's what happened.

In a lighter moment, the board honored the county's police department, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

In that time, the department has grown from an eight-member force that tooled around in their personal cars to a force of 581 sworn officers and more than 200 civilian employees.

Contact Zachary Reid at (804) 775-8179 or .