Politics
ICYMI: A candidate soaked in vinegar
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-PIlot Thursday. I really tried not to write about the Republican candidate for LG, but when I opened my paper Wednesday morning and saw this political cartoon, I knew I had to. The national press has had a field day with Virginia since last weekend’s RPV convention. … Continue reading
Latest on Portsmouth tolls
Folks outside of Hampton Roads may not be aware of the ongoing battle over tolls in our region. But everyone needs to pay a little attention, because if the ruling against the public-private partnership holds, all Virginians are going to be on the hook to reimburse the private part of that deal. The story so … Continue reading
On the Virginia LG contest
Count me among those surprised that the Republicans nominated E. W. Jackson for lieutenant governor at their convention last weekend. Based on the last few weeks, I’d have bet money that Pete Snyder, who finished second, was going to pull it off. While I favor primaries, I also recognize that it is a different contest. … Continue reading
ICYMI: A big breakdown at the IRS
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot last Thursday. One of the things that always got me when I worked for the IRS (1980 – 1985) was that any scandal caused every single employee to be painted with a broad brush, even if those employees had nothing to do with it. That hasn’t … Continue reading
RIP Rich Savage
I don’t know the details but I was saddened to learn of the death of Rich Savage yesterday. I met Rich back on January 2009 when he entered the race for LG. We’ve stayed in touch since, although I haven’t spoken to him in a while.
The IRS mess
As a former employee – I spent six years there in the early 1980s – I hate to see the IRS in a bad light. The organization takes more hits than it deserves, but this time, the hit is well deserved. No way the IRS should be targeting a specific group of entities. Others have … Continue reading
Norfolk public hearing tonight
Another public hearing is scheduled for tonight (6pm, Granby HS) for Norfolk residents. This hearing will cover the additional two-cent increase in the real estate tax rate. Combined, Norfolk’s rate will rise by four cents, to $1.15 per $100 of assessed value. I plan to attend, if for no other reason than to hear what … Continue reading
ICYMI: Showing up at decision time
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. In hindsight, I think it was appropriate in light of yesterday’s firehouse primary in the 14th Senate, won by Del. John Cosgrove. According to VPAP, there are 124,202 registered voters in the 14th. Using the results from 2012, I’d venture to say that roughly 60% … Continue reading
GOP Senate election tonight
Three Republican candidates square off tonight in a primary for the Virginia Senate seat in the 14th district. The retirement of Harry Blevins opened up the seat, which will be contested in a special election on August 6. The three candidates are Del. John Cosgrove, activist Chris Stearns, and former Chesapeake council candidate Bill Haley. … Continue reading
Norfolk heading for a 4-cent increase in real estate tax rate
According to The Virginian-Pilot’s Jill Nolan, Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim has the five votes necessary for an 4-cent increase in the real estate tax rate. I guess we can’t complain – Hampton is looking at as much as a 23-cent increase. I’m not completely sold on the need for the additional two cents, although I … Continue reading
ICYMI: The end of tax-free sales online
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-PIlot Friday. The U.S. Senate is expected to take up the Marketplace Fairness Act today. Most expect it will pass. While the House of Representatives is another hurdle, I’ll go out on a limb and say that it will pass there, too. The states are hurting and … Continue reading
Cumberland County schools receive waiver from SOL reading test
Cumberland County schools has received a waiver of SOL reading score requirements from the Commonwealth Department of Education as part of a move to receive federal funds to try raising the scores. A Reading Specialist is now at the Cumberland Elementary School to begin teaching in the effort.
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