Archive for February 2011
Monday this and that
Been one of those days Time for a few links. Seems the General Assembly managed to pass a budget yesterday. The vote was, amazingly enough, unanimous. I’m not so sure what to think of that. I’d like to think it means that the negotiators actually compromised to do the best they could by the citizens … Continue reading
Norfolk City Council: 3/1/11
By Tommy Smigiel Sorry for the delay on posting the agenda items for this Tuesday. I had some difficulty downloading the agendas and some of the item specifics were deleted by accident from my drop box. City Council was off last week, and this week doesn’t offer anything exciting on the agenda. Some may question … Continue reading
Retirements
I mentioned in my earlier post today that we needed to focus on November’s General Assembly elections. As if on cue, two legislators – both Democrats – announced their retirements today. First up was Del. Albert Pollard. Recall, if you will, that Pollard “retired” in 2005. At that time, it was, according to this, to … Continue reading
Friday ruminations
In tax season full tilt so this will be quick. We’re #1! Too bad it’s at being the first in the nation to have a law (governor will sign) that puts abortion clinics in the same category as hospitals. With “friends” like Chuck Colgan and Phil Puckett, who needs enemies? We’re #50! Well, not yet, … Continue reading
Fiscally irresponsible through any eyes
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday. The topic, of course, was the now-failed effort to build an office tower. Despite all of this, there was something else going on with this project, an invisible hand pushing it as it rose, phoenix-like, from the ashes for the third time. In various reports … Continue reading
Norfolk news: more spending
Let’s see: Norfolk is facing a $32 million budget deficit, $53 million if the schools are included. So what austerity measures did the newspaper report today? How about more spending? The beleaguered Community Services Board, which is funded by a combination of city, state and federal funds, gave their executive director a bonus of $21,700 … Continue reading
Still crazy after all these years?
By Steve Vaughan It’s said that the definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. I don’t want to call the new Republican majority in the House of Representatives crazy, but if the shoe fits… There’s a fairly good chance that we’re headed for another government … Continue reading
Happy 90th, Mama
Today marks the 90th birthday of my mother. This is my favorite picture of her, one that shows her healthy and happy. It is this picture that I keep in my mind’s eye, even though today’s reality is far different. My mother loves pretty flowers and so I’ve already sent a beautiful bouquet for her … Continue reading
Opinion, please: virtual academy
The Virginian-Pilot has an article discussing a “virtual academy:” K12 Inc., a private online education company that uses Carroll County as its public-school intermediary to provide virtual education through eighth grade for students across the state. More than 350 students are enrolled in K12′s virtual academy through Carroll County, three times as many as last … Continue reading
Democracy does not end at the ballot box
Guest post by Maria LoPresto Many of us concerned about Norfolk’s government ask for transparency, yet not all of us take the time to make our concerns known during the budget process. WHY is the budget process important to the average citizen? What is important about this process and why should be we care? The … Continue reading
Take out the trash day: Norfolk police chief to retire
Aficionados of The West Wing will recognize that Friday is Take Out The Trash Day. The latest release came a bit ago, innocently entitled “City of Norfolk Announces Staffing Changes.” Within the release was a relative bombshell: Police Chief Bruce Marquis will retire effective April 1. The chief has been under fire lately related to … Continue reading
Norfolk bails on Tivest deal
From a press release this morning: NORFOLK –The City of Norfolk administration received information this morning that the STOP Organization has reversed its decision to be a tenant in the Midtown Office Tower. The City’s participation was contingent upon Tivest Holdings, LLC being able to confirm that the STOP Organization was committed to the project. … Continue reading
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