New faces emerge in Tri-Cities elections

In the Tri-Cities elections, Hopewell elected a new commonwealth's attorney, and Colonial Heights' commissioner of revenue survived a challenge.

In Hopewell, challenger Richard K. "Rick" Newman defeated incumbent Anthony N. "Nino" Sylvester to become the commonwealth's attorney. Newman, 53, is an assistant commonwealth's attorney in Petersburg who has lived in Hopewell for less than a year.

"It has been a long uphill battle," said Newman, who had received the endorsement of 23 Hopewell police officers and ran on an agenda promoting a new focus on gang activity.

"This is the actual first step. We are going to start making some changes in Hopewell.

In Colonial Heights, Marjorie C. DeDanko prevailed in a heated race against Gayle R. Braswell to continue as commissioner of revenue.

In Petersburg, Vanessa R. Crawford appears headed to another term as sheriff, and Kevin A. Brown is leading in the race between first-time office-holders for city treasurer.

-- Luz Lazo