Archive for February 2010
Ban political speech?
But once a speaker launches a personal attack at a member of council, there should be some way to limit that. Every council meeting should not be a political forum. The quote above comes from comments made by Mayor Paul Fraim earlier this week after council a frequent council critic attacked one of the members … Continue reading
Pilot – and Portsmouth council – fed up with sheriff’s antics
In a strongly worded editorial in Friday’s Virginian-Pilot, the board takes to task Portsmouth Sheriff Bill Watson. The editorial came about as the result of the actions of Portsmouth City Council, reported in this story from Wednesday. It’s been a while since I wrote about Watson, even though he provides comic relief. The Pilot needs … Continue reading
American Idol Results 02/25/10
I have to admit: this has got to be the least talented bunch of contestants yet. Yeah, I know the judges keep saying it’s the most talented, but I disagree. Out of the thousands of people that auditioned, these are the best 24? I don’t think so. Maybe two each of the women and men … Continue reading
ALERT: Oppose HB 392 today!
UPDATE: The bill has been carried over to 2011, so it is dead for this year. Thanks for everyone’s help on this. The Senate Transportation Committee will be taking up House Bill 392 at its meeting this afternoon at 2pm. This bill, if you recall, will increase, from $1,000 to $5,000, the amount of water … Continue reading
More on Marshall’s comments
Del. Bob Marshall’s comments continue to elicit responses – and none of them are positive. Rachel Maddow weighed in Monday evening Gov. Bob McDonnell condemned the remarks, calling them “wrong” and “offensive.” Salon posted a good article on the event. Del. Robin Abbott made a heartfelt speech on the floor of the House Tuesday. The … Continue reading
HRT’s Shucet meets with bloggers
Hampton Roads Transit’s new President/CEO Philip Shucet sat down Monday with local bloggers. In attendence were Henry Ryto of Avenging Archangel, Archie Whitehill of Sparkling Diversity, Eileen Levandoski of VB Dems, Brian Kirwin of Bearing Drift, and yours truly. HRT has been in the news a lot lately, mainly due to the cost overruns on … Continue reading
Sideshow Bob: time to resign
News Leader reports: State Delegate Bob Marshall of Manassas says disabled children are God’s punishment to women who have aborted their first pregnancy.He made that statement Thursday at a press conference to oppose state funding for Planned Parenthood. “The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. … Continue reading
Past time for an elected school board, Norfolk
The Virginian-Pilot had a story Saturday about the possibility of an elected school board in Norfolk. Seems some folks have seen the light. Because of what they call a recent series of negative revelations about the public schools, three City Council members say they favor an elected school board. I’ve long advocated for an elected … Continue reading
Northam GA update
General Assembly Update – February 19, 2010. By Senator Ralph Northam Greetings from Richmond! This week, crossover took place in the General Assembly, with all passed Senate bills going to the House of Delegates for consideration, and vice versa. There was little action on any of the bills I am sponsoring, but the pace will … Continue reading
Norfolk State of the City address
Remarks of Mayor Paul D. Fraim Norfolk State of the City February 19, 2010 Good afternoon. Let me first of all thank the Chamber of Commerce for providing this opportunity to report on progress made and challenges faced during a year that tested our resourcefulness like none in recent memory. 2009 will long be remembered … Continue reading
Norfolk’s light rail: $338.3M – and who knew what when
Philip Shucet, the new CEO of Hampton Roads Transit, announced Thursday that the Norfolk starter light rail line will cost $338.3 million, a 46% increase over what was originally budgeted. Such a sizeable overage is not normal. According to an earlier article, only four of the 25 light rail projects built since 1997 went over … Continue reading
When was the last time 80% of America agreed?
I can’t remember. I’m guessing it was when The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Maybe not even then. But Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that 80% of poll respondents disagree with the Supreme Court ruling that allows “unfettered corporate political spending.” The poll reveals relatively little difference of opinion on the issue among … Continue reading
SM
LOOK WHO’S TALKING