Newbille easily captures Richmond City Council seat

Cynthia I. Newbille easily won yesterday's special election for the 7th District seat on Richmond's City Council.

Newbille, a one-time city administration official who was endorsed by Mayor Dwight C. Jones, captured 1,722 votes in a seven-precinct sweep to defeat five other candidates vying to represent the city's East End, according to unofficial totals.

"It will be an honor to serve, and I'm humbled by the mandate from the citizens," Newbille said last night after celebrating her victory with supporters at Que Pasa restaurant in Church Hill.

The other candidates trailed as follows:

• Robin D. Robinson, 767

• Ronald L. Bond, 284

• Deanna Lewis, 256

• Garry F. Powell, 150

• Clarence Kenney, 139

Newbille is expected to be sworn in for Monday's council meeting, and she will finish the four-year term that then-Councilwoman Delores L. McQuinn won in November 2008. McQuinn gave up the 7th District seat early this year after winning a special election to represent the 70th District in the House of Delegates. Jones vacated the House seat after he was elected mayor.

In the low-profile race, Newbille attracted the most attention and criticism from other candidates, in part because she was supported by McQuinn and state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, a former mayor and a former 7th District councilman.

During the campaign, Newbille had emphasized her deep ties to the district, including being raised there, managing the city's East District Initiative and now serving as acting director of the nonprofit East District Family Resource Center. She also served as chief of staff to then-City Manager Calvin D. Jamison, before Richmond switched to an elected-mayor form of government.

Newbille said she plans to work with residents, civic groups and businesses, as well as tenant and faith-based organizations, to develop a vision for the East End.

"You don't do this alone," she said last night. "This is work that's done with community and all that makes us community."

With her election, Newbille said she will resign her staff position with the Family Resource Center because it receives city funding.

She has declined to commit herself on Echo Harbour, one of the most controversial issues facing the 7th District. The proposed high-rise development has drawn fierce opposition over concerns that it would block views of the James River from Libby Hill Park.

Also in Richmond, Commonwealth's Attorney Michael N. Herring, Sheriff C.T. Woody and Treasurer Eunice Wilder won in uncontested races.

Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or .