John E. Gordon Jr. of the South Anna District moved over a seat today, accepting the office of chairman of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors.

Taking center stage on the dais, he said his fellow members had “honored me again with another opportunity [to serve].” He had been serving as vice chairman.

G. Ed Via III, who started his second year representing the Ashland District on the board this month, received the endorsement of the other supervisors by being elected vice chairman.

In his statement, Gordon said this could be “one of the most diffiicult years in Hanover history.” He was firm in saying “Tax increases are not an option.”

Speaking optimistically, the new chairman said the “consequences of the economic downturn can be positive.” He also spoke of “working collaboratively” with the City of Richmond and neighboring counties.

“We will remain a people rooted in tradition,” Gordon said, referring to the county’s motto of “People, Tradition, Spirit.”

With confidence, he announced, “I am up to the challenge.”

In accepting the number two spot on the Board of Supervisors, Via said he was “humbled and honored.”

As he left the chairmanship, Aubrey M. “Bucky” Stanley, Beaverdam District, said his departure was “bittersweet” and that he had “always enjoyed being chairman.”

Stanley, serving his 26th year, is the senior member of the board.

He expressed his thanks to the county administrator’s and county attorney’s offices for being “very helpful” to him in his role as chairman.

He also acknowledged the assistance of Ivy Sager, director of the county’s Department of Community Resources, and Tom Harris, the county’s public information officer. He pointed out that Harris often helped him with writing speeches.

With the supervisors having welcomed new members—Via and Deborah B. Coats, Mechanicsville District— in January 2008, Stanley said they had “come a long way in a year.” He also said the coming year was not going to be easy.

As a veteran on the board, Stanley extended an offer of assistance to the incoming chairman.

“Hanover County is a wonderful place to be in,” he said.

Gordon, in his newly elected position, presented “a token of appreciation” to Stanley for his service as chairman.

Other supervisors were given the opportunity to comment, with Elton J. Wade Sr. of the Cold Harbor District only saying that they had “worked well last year.”

Henry District Supervisor Charles D. McGhee said the “budget season was going to be tough.” He said he believed what they were facing would “make us better, stronger, more polished.” He also said he was confident they would “make the right choices” for a “stronger board and county.”