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Newport News swears in three council members; Curtis Bethany re-elected vice mayor 7-0
Summary
On Jan. 14, 2025, Newport News officials held a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected and returning council members Tina L. Vick, Marcellus L. Harris III and Rob S. (Rob) Coleman; the council re-elected Curtis Bethany as vice mayor in a 7-0 vote.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News held its swearing-in and organizational meeting on Jan. 14, 2025, where Tina L. Vick, Marcellus L. Harris III and Robert S. (Rob) Coleman were formally sworn as city council members and the council re-elected Curtis Bethany as vice mayor in a 7-0 vote.
Judge Dante Budd of the Fairfax County Circuit Court administered the oaths. The electoral board presented certificates confirming each election: Tina L. Vick as Seat A, South District; Marcellus L. Harris III as Seat A, North District; and Robert S. (Rob) Coleman as Seat A, Central District. Each term was recorded as beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and ending Dec. 31, 2028.
The re-election of the vice mayor was handled by nomination and roll call. Councilmember Tina L. Vick nominated incumbent Curtis Bethany for another term as vice mayor; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously, 7-0. The mayor called the roll and announced "Motion carries, 7 0." The council treated the item as an internal leadership appointment rather than a contested race.
In remarks after the formal business, Rob Coleman told attendees that "it is time for action," saying he is focused on following through after the campaign and a recent council retreat. Marcellus L. Harris III reflected on community and family support, saying he is "overwhelmed" and looking forward to a third term. Tina L. Vick thanked voters for their trust and invoked her long service, telling young people she ‘‘encourage[s] all of you because it can take you places that you never imagined.’’
Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany praised Vick as a leading advocate for the city and said he looked forward to working with the council. Other members offered brief congratulations and emphasized cooperation; several speakers noted regular communication across the council and appreciation for city staff.
The mayor closed the ceremony with logistical notes: refreshments were available in the lobby, and the council scheduled a brief training on the new voting system at 11:30 a.m. The meeting was then adjourned.
What this means: The swearing-in completed the formal certification and seating of three council members whose terms run through the end of 2028, and the unanimous internal vote kept existing leadership in place. No ordinance, budget decision or external policy action was taken during this ceremony.
