Archive for July 2011
Here comes the judge(s)
The General Assembly met today to fill some of the judgeships that had been left vacant. In a July 21, 2011 letter to the leadership of both chambers, Governor Bob McDonnell gently reminded them of their “failure to timely complete redistricting and adjourn sine die.” In particular, the governor mention the difficulty of having substitute … Continue reading
Page One: Inside the New York Times
I’ve never been inside the newsroom of a newspaper but I felt as if I had after watching the documentary, Page One: Inside the New York Times at the Naro Thursday evening. I’m one of those folks who rarely leaves the house in the morning without reading my newspaper. On the occasions when I do, … Continue reading
Deal done for Beach, Eastern Shore judges
The General Assembly is reconvening Friday to vote on some judicial openings. I’m told that the Virginia Beach Circuit Court vacancy will be filled by former Del. Glenn Crowshaw and the Eastern Shore vacancy will be filled by W. Revell Lewis III. 6th district Senator Ralph Northam helped to broker the deal.
Hamilton: prosecutors seek +12 year sentence
In addition to forfeiture of the more than $87,000 he was paid during his tenure, prosecutors in the case of former Del. Phil Hamilton are seeking a sentence of more than 12 years.Sentencing is scheduled for August 12.
ICYMI: Investing in incumbents
My latest op-ed appeared in Wednesday’s Virginian-Pilot. It is sometimes frustrating to see the contributions from businesses who lobby the General Assembly appear to make the difference in races. But we – and the candidates – miss the fact that more contributions come from individuals than businesses.
Economic bill of rights
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his January 11, 1944 State of the Union address, put forth a second bill of rights that America should implement. In light of the current conditions in our country, it seems appropriate to revisit FDR’s proposal. It is our duty now to begin to lay the plans and determine the … Continue reading
Quick links 07/27/11: good news edition
A few items of interest from around the ‘net but with all the bad news coming out of Washington, I figured some good news was in order. Colleges, Norfolk Southern paying lump sums for HRT rides. Free rides As I’m officially a member of the ODU faculty as of this past Monday, I’m looking forward … Continue reading
Robert Hurt plays games with the budget
Congressman Robert Hurt (R), who represents my district, the 5th Congressional District, has been busy. You might think he would be concerned with jobs, unemployment and such, since the southern end of the district has some of the worst unemployment in the country. If you thought that, you would be wrong. Instead, he is heavily … Continue reading
ICYMI: If the ceiling lands on Virginia
My latest op-ed appeared in last Thursday’s Virginian-Pilot. In Hampton Roads, I’m told some 45% of our economy is government-related. If the debt-ceiling situation isn’t resolved, we’re in for a world of hurt.
Opinion, please: what makes you … (redux)
… call yourself a Democrat or a Republican? I asked that question in an earlier post last year. After reading Paradox13VA’s recent post on his political philosophy, I thought it might be time to revisit it. His are some powerful words: They say that a Republican is a Democrat who has been robbed, and a … Continue reading
McDonnell’s pants on fire
I can’t believe McDonnell had the audacity to say Virginia’s state workers pay nothing towards their retirement. Has he signed so many bills that he forgot about the two related to this?
Norfolk community engagement meeting Tuesday
The City of Norfolk is holding a community outreach meeting this coming Tuesday, July 26th. According to the press release: In 1996, Norfolk City Council established the vision of Norfolk based upon the following priorities: community building; education; public accountability; public safety; regional partnerships; economic development. City Council is reviewing the priorities and vision for … Continue reading
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