Archive for July 2010
Holley recall open thread
7:54 Final numbers: 10,821 voted in favor of recall, 5,154 against. I can guess what the headlines will look like tomorrow. ~ 7:47 pm All but the provisional ballots and one precinct are in. 10,331 voted in favor of recall, 4,987 voted against. The total votes cast – 15,318 – exceeded the total number of … Continue reading
Caring for all of Norfolk means advocating for all neighborhoods
Guest post by Councilman Tommy Smigiel, whose edited letter appeared in the Virginian-Pilot today. Here is the unedited version. I’d like to set the record straight and step out on a positive note after reading Kevin Murphy’s letter to the editor “Downtown is No. 1 in growth” (Virginian-Pilot, July 9). In his remarks Kevin Murphy … Continue reading
Open thread: Dillon Rule
One of the first posts I wrote on this blog was about the Dillon Rule. And if you search this blog, you’ll find that I often rail against it. I promised last week to open a thread where we could discuss it. From an editorial in today’s Virginian-Pilot: The state’s rigid adherence to the Dillon … Continue reading
RIP Walter Hawkins
Back in the day, I directed a gospel choir at a local church. The biggest name in gospel music in those days was Walter Hawkins. In fact, Sunday morning in church, the guest minister invoked part of the lyrics from one of his hits, “Changed,” which you can hear here. (Had I been sitting at … Continue reading
Sometimes, it’s not about race
In an editorial Sunday, The Virginian-Pilot called for the recall of Portsmouth Mayor James Holley, who faces such an election for the second time Tuesday. In an op-ed a few pages later, writer Nathan McCall says the mayor should be allowed to finish the remaining two years of his term and then go quietly into … Continue reading
Friday fun: what chess piece are you?
Sorry for the delay on this. Been a busy day around here. You Are a Knight You are very unusual and even a bit eccentric. No one can really figure you out easily. Because you’re not predictable, people behave irrationally around you. They may feel threatened by your presence, or they may underestimate you completely. … Continue reading
Norfolk credit card policy
As a Norfolk taxpayer and as a CPA, I found the following statement in this story troublesome: McDonald said that city policy does not explicitly state appropriate and inappropriate use of its credit cards. I obtained from the city a copy of the document that is required to be signed at the time the credit … Continue reading
Alveta Green appointed to Norfolk council
Former School Board member Alveta Green was appointed Thursday afternoon to the Superward 7 seat on Norfolk council. The seat became vacant due to the required relinquishment by Daun Hester, who challenged Paul Fraim for mayor. The rule dates back to a challenge made by former Ward 3 councilman Herbert Collins, who ran against Hester … Continue reading
Ebert reviews 9500 Liberty
Before there was Arizona, there was Prince William County in Virginia. The documentary, “9500 Liberty,” chronicles the effects of immigration reform on that community. I provided my thoughts on the film after a local screening, but I’m not a professional film critic. Roger Ebert is and he gives the film 3 1/2 stars in his … Continue reading
Woah! What’s Hampton School Board up to?
The Hampton School Board has been in the news quite a bit lately. We have the board suing its former superintendent – and him counter-suing. Then there’s the School Board attorney. Seems she is using a job offer from another school district to wrangle a new contract, not unusual by any means. What is unusual … Continue reading
It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day
This song has been bouncing around in my head for quite some time. And while it’s been covered by almost everyone, the original by Nina Simone remains the best. Take a minute, close your eyes, and listen to the master. Last week, I witnessed a new day in Norfolk. I was there when Councilman Tommy … Continue reading
You want better government? Show up
I didn’t write the headline for my op-ed that appeared in Monday’s Virginian-Pilot but it was dead on. Those who follow my blog already know that I firmly believe that all politics is local – and that we have a much better shot of affecting local politicians than we do any other. I’ve received calls, … Continue reading
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