Guestbook

Feel free to leave whatever comments you want here.

77 Comments

  1. LJ Gray
    Posted Friday, July 28, 2006 at 7:38 am | Permalink

    I live in Chesapeake, VA so I have already been subjected to the “back door” tax increase of 8% due to Chesapeake’s reduction of car tax relief to 62% in 2006 from 70% from last year. But I recently bought a new car in June and have received a new personal property tax bill for the entire amount due, with ZERO car tax relief included. To add to the tax increase, my car tax bill also includes a SECOND assessment for my city sticker which was paid in June for my old car for which I had already paid personal property tax and city sticker fees on. The “no car tax” not only has lead to an increase in my taxes but also double taxation for city sticker fees.

  2. Posted Friday, July 28, 2006 at 8:28 am | Permalink

    Don’t blame that on Chesapeake! The problem is the General Assembly, who capped car tax relief at a fixed amount, as opposed to a fixed percentage.

    As far as the new car - I’m not sure why you had to pay the entire bill.I’ve not heard of that happening. Perhaps somebody can chime in.

    You should be eligible for a refund of a portion of the personal property taxes paid on the old car. And the sticker - not sure why you had to pay twice. Does Chesapeake still have stickers? Used to be you only paid in full for a new sticker if you couldn’t produce the old one.

  3. Posted Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 4:53 pm | Permalink

    Thanks for the nice comment. Hopefully you can run again and win next time. Even though I don’t live in your area a nice person with great values such as yourself should always be elected. Never give up and stay strong against the opposition.

  4. Hollie Smith
    Posted Friday, August 25, 2006 at 2:29 am | Permalink

    Hi there!
    I’m not so familiar with Norfolk politics, so definitely, I’ll learn something new out of your views and discussions. I wanna say thank you ahead for that. :) I know the information will come in handy soon.

  5. Susan Hollister
    Posted Friday, August 25, 2006 at 3:24 am | Permalink

    Thank you, Vivian, for sharing your knowledge in Norfolk politics to us. It will enlighten and inform a lot of people, especially those who aren’t living in Norfolk.

  6. Posted Friday, August 25, 2006 at 8:19 am | Permalink

    Hello, Daniel, Hollie & Susan! Hopefully, you will find some good information here. And visit often ;)

  7. Posted Sunday, August 27, 2006 at 10:33 pm | Permalink

    Could not resist letting you know that it continues to be a small world. Thought I recognized your name a little over a week ago. Of course, being an inquisitive geek, I just had to visit your blog. Pleasantly surprised to learn we reside in the same neck of the woods. Thanks to you, I now have a place to keep in touch with the politics of my city.

  8. Posted Monday, August 28, 2006 at 8:32 am | Permalink

    Glad you stopped by! Hope you find the information here useful.

  9. Mr. Anonymous
    Posted Monday, September 18, 2006 at 1:03 pm | Permalink

    Hello.

    In case you haven’t heard, the Norfolk Tea Party is back! The first meeting of the Norfolk Tea Party II is on Saturday, Sept. 23rd at 9am, to be held at “the Banque” off of E. Little Creek Rd. We are going for a cut of $1.08 in 2008!

  10. Posted Monday, October 2, 2006 at 8:30 pm | Permalink

    I’ve been around Norfolk last month, and I should say it’s one of the most beautiful towns I’ve seen in Virginia. But what’s more interesting, perhaps, is its politics. Thanks for keeping us all posted. Hope to visit the town again soon.

  11. Marylin
    Posted Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 10:36 am | Permalink

    The very respected Cook Political Report in it’s Sept 20 listing, calls the 2nd District Congressional race a “toss up”

  12. Posted Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 8:57 pm | Permalink

    My wife and I are moving to Norfolk this month, and I’m looking forward to the new atmosphere we’ll be getting used to. I am getting good pointers about how the politics goes there. I guess it’s very essential for every Norfolk citizen.

  13. Posted Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 9:08 pm | Permalink

    Shawn - do come back soon. Marylin - that’s about how I’d rank this race ;) Mike - Norfolk politics are certainly interesting :roll:

  14. Barbara Saunders
    Posted Monday, October 9, 2006 at 3:59 pm | Permalink

    Hello there,
    Thought I’d drop in and say I have enjoyed reading all the info that is on your site. Very educational and I am proud of you and your “staff” for putting in the hours necessary for this, as well as, your dedication in not only our local politics but our state and nation. It is great to see others so interested and even new comers to want to know more and be involved. Thank you.

  15. Posted Monday, October 9, 2006 at 4:19 pm | Permalink

    My “staff”? Oh - I guess you mean my cats ;)

  16. Inena P. Rice
    Posted Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 1:54 pm | Permalink

    Hi,
    Just viewed your video on your blog. It was great. The information is very informative. Keep up the great job.

  17. Posted Friday, November 3, 2006 at 7:08 pm | Permalink

    Asians Vote! Daniel Dae Kim of TV’s “Lost” takes on racist Senator!

    Daniel Dae Kim:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_6Jqv-9oMk

    And check out this video with an Asian American hero volunteering for
    racist “Macaca” opponent Jim Webb.

    Real Virginians For Webb — Tuy Le, Wasime Entabi:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbLeVlWaC3A

    GO TO THIS WEBSITE!!!! MORE VIDEOS COMING SOON!
    http://www.realvirginiansforwebb.com

  18. proudvadem@aol.com
    Posted Friday, December 1, 2006 at 8:53 am | Permalink

    Re: the Saunders reply
    Have cats here myself……
    Demo-cats….hehehehe….I even had a Clinton-Gore button on their collars in 1996….
    :-D

  19. tacy
    Posted Friday, December 15, 2006 at 8:44 pm | Permalink

    you should watch slamming another politician about making the paper, oneday it could happen to you,

  20. Posted Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 12:28 am | Permalink

    Um - tacy - it already has. But then since you are in FL, you wouldn’t know about that, now would you? ;) Besides, I didn’t slam anybody. I linked to the stories in the Pilot. Your beef is with them, not me.

  21. JACK STILES
    Posted Sunday, December 24, 2006 at 3:01 am | Permalink

    HELLO, happy holidays to everyone and i hope to enjoy great ideas on this site, and have great exchange. god bless to all.

  22. NickySS
    Posted Sunday, December 24, 2006 at 4:07 pm | Permalink

    Hi!
    Nice info, big thx.

  23. Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 11:01 am | Permalink

    HELLO, everyone I was just named President CHRISTIAN COALITION of NORFOLK,VA., everyone is welcomed from all sides to join it is free no dues, if you feel as i do that people of faith or have god in their heart should service in public office maybe even you might want but do not no how please join me and togather we can make it happen my email is jackhstiles@msn.com - like i said my chapter has a open door to everyone no hate going on here. thank you and god bless.

  24. Posted Thursday, December 28, 2006 at 12:19 pm | Permalink

    To all sorry for all caps, my bad.

  25. Posted Friday, December 29, 2006 at 5:21 pm | Permalink

    I hope all will have a happy and successful New Year.

    Democrat, Republican, or the majority of “I just don’t care about politics” crowd - may we all have the opportunjity to discuss and share without the ugly and hostile polarization that seems to prevent neigbors from finding common ground - and working together.

  26. Posted Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 6:32 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for stopping by Blackberry Altar and sharing a much welcomed opinion about Oprah. I look forward to reading through your blog and sharing ideas in the near future. It seems like you have a wonderful following and wealth of information.

  27. JACK STIES
    Posted Monday, January 22, 2007 at 11:26 am | Permalink

    Go to meetup.com look at draft algore2008 norolk,va. and join the team, thank you.

  28. Angie Herring
    Posted Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 3:33 pm | Permalink

    http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-37769sy0jan27,0,5278438.story?coll=dp-opinion-editorials

    John Miller (who has run for the state house of representative has a great editorial on the effect of gerrymandering on elected office.

    We have a chance to change this. Miller writes
    “In Richmond, the House Committee on Privileges and Elections recently killed several proposals to create an independent redistricting process. By a vote of 22-18, the Senate has passed SJ Resolution 352 that would establish a 13-member redistricting commission, but unless members of the House hear from us, that proposal will likely die. Citizens who want their voice to be heard should support this legislation and contact their House of Delegates representative.”

  29. Angie Herring
    Posted Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 12:53 pm | Permalink

    Who would believe it? House Bill 2797, introduced by Del. Bob Marshall (R-13), is such an extreme measure.It states “That life begins at the moment of fertilization and the right to enjoyment of life guaranteed by Article 1, 1 of the Constitution of Virginia is vested in each born and preborn human being from the moment of fertilization.”

    This bill is so outrageous, virtually no one thought it would be
    taken seriously. But it has just been reported out of Privileges and Elections on February 2, 2007, and can advance it to the house floor first thing next week!

    It not only presents a direct threat to Roe v. Wade, but access to FDA-approved methods of contraception, including IUDs,
    Emergency Contraception and even birth control pills.

    Call your legistors (free) at the constituent hotline, 1-800-889-0229.
    Oppose HB2797, personhood from the moment of fertilization.

  30. James E. Martin
    Posted Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 12:44 am | Permalink

    So is everyone invited to this bash?

  31. Posted Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 12:50 am | Permalink

    Yep ;)

  32. chuck denny, norfolk
    Posted Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 2:23 pm | Permalink

    Yo Vivian,

    Did Moss/ Mc Donald ever get their combined offices software up and running successfully? I recently wrote an e-mail through the treasurers city site; but have not gotten an answer.

    I am disappointed that Gov. Kaine did not delay the Dominion Power reregulation bill for one year. We are all gonna pay on this one after all our delegates/senators run for election. The politicians are cowards and Dominion people are buzzards. The rest of us will be road-kill (even w existing roads).

  33. Posted Sunday, April 1, 2007 at 10:37 pm | Permalink

    Chuck - as far as I know, that software isn’t running yet.

  34. HelloWorld
    Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 12:59 pm | Permalink

    Peace people

    We love you

  35. Posted Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 9:58 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for providing a site that offers intelligent dialogue. Nikki Giovanni’s speech was similar to ones made after 9/11. Her talk inspired not only a grieving college, but a grieving nation. I love your site! Thank you, Vivian.

  36. anatol
    Posted Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 3:15 pm | Permalink

    Nise site!

  37. Posted Monday, June 4, 2007 at 1:11 am | Permalink

    Vivian,

    I am sorry if some of my words sounded crass. Ms. Giovanni doesn’t deserve anyone (especially Steve) of soiling her reputation and achievements. Dialogue and debate should be intelligent and insightful, not catty and abrasive. I was more disturbed by the insults as Nikki’s Des Moines visit came two weeks before the Va. Tech shootings. Our marketing director, Jan Kaiser and I spent two days emailing her publicist. Allpoetry.com had numerous poetry contests with writers submitting their works relating to the tragedy. I sent several original poems to Virginia Tech University as well. I pray for all those families who lost someone to death or injury.

  38. Posted Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 2:33 pm | Permalink

    Ms. Paige,

    If you need a political contributor for your site, I would be honored to do it. I can definitely fit MSN in my time. A feisty debate always gets my going. I promise that it won’t go over the top as in the Giovanni speech issue. I do something to inform your readers on. I have two poetry chapbooks coming out soon called “Deep” and “The Depths”. Deep has more spiritual and inspirational lyrics, while The Depths feature more social and political consciousness themes. And Ms. Paige, I would be glad to send a copy of each for your viewing pleasure! You know, Steve referred to me as a “wannabe poet protege”.

  39. Posted Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 2:35 pm | Permalink

    Sorry for the typos with “my” instead of “me” and “I do something” instead of “I do have something”. The keyboard is not my friend today.

  40. Posted Monday, July 2, 2007 at 7:39 am | Permalink

    As we discussed at the Tidewater Libertarian Party meeting you attended in the Spring, I have qualified as a Libertarian Party Candidate for the 14th District Senate seat, opposing Republican incumbent Harry Blevins. I think that in many ways I have more to offer in the realm of personal Liberty, which I know you care deeply about, than the status quo.

    In any case, I am letting you know, since the VA Pilot will ignore me to death if they can, as I promised at the meeting.

  41. CannotSay
    Posted Sunday, July 8, 2007 at 12:26 am | Permalink

    With reference to the Moss/McDonald combined-offices software, that project was started way back in 2002 with a large amount of research, processes documented, agreements made, and initial meetings with prospective vendors completed to test the availability of software to meet Norfolk’s needs. Unless absentee-Commissioner McDonald has the blessing of Norfolk’s I.T. department, this project will likely go the way of her “bridge over the digital divide” Kiosk, if it hasn’t already.

  42. Posted Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 4:58 am | Permalink

    A very nice website that you have set-up here. I have lived for 8 years in Virginia and now living in Maryland along the Chesapeake. I plan to again move to Virginia when I am ready to retire…so I hope you keep the state on the road to prosperity in the meantime.

  43. Posted Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 11:36 pm | Permalink

    I would like to take a moment to introduce myself to Ms. Paige and her friends; my name is Sam Rasoul and I am a Democratic Congressional Candidate in the Sixth District of Virginia, on the other side of the state. Please feel free to visit my website at http://www.SAM2008.com.

  44. Ron Wilson
    Posted Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 6:33 pm | Permalink

    Hi Vivian.

    I just found your page Great job! Enjoyed your reporting on the news and comments. I will bookmark it so I can better keep up with what is going on in Norfolk and the area.

  45. JACK STILES
    Posted Monday, August 27, 2007 at 11:03 pm | Permalink

    has anyone seen the VA. ODDSMAKER blogg or site is this a right wing site or blogg anybody know email me jackhstiles@msn.com

  46. Posted Friday, September 7, 2007 at 11:01 am | Permalink

    I haven’t been on this site for a couple of months. I’ll be looking to contribute on future topics.

  47. Posted Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 12:38 am | Permalink

    This has nothing to do with American politics. However, I find it disturbing when an athlete disagrees with a coach’s decision (when the decision is wrong) can be censored and kicked off a team. I think a good topic to toss around would be Hope Solo’s subsequent exile from the U.S. Women’s Soccer team.

  48. tom hall
    Posted Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 6:35 am | Permalink

    I am looking for information on a Candidate Forum to be held at ODU on 10- Oct. Mike Gooding (Ch.11)is to moderate. There was no contact info.

  49. Posted Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 10:14 am | Permalink

    Tom - I don’t have any contact info. But I understand it will be the 11th, not the 10th, at 7pm, at The Ted. If I get anything else, I’ll post it.

  50. Nelda E Cote
    Posted Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 6:51 pm | Permalink

    Please remove my telephon number from your calling list. I have put my number on the Federal do not call list, how is it possible that campaigners can call anytime they wish. It is an invasion of my privacy. I read newspapers and will make my decision without your office calling me and leaving a recording on my answereing machine. The number is XXX-XXX-XXXX

  51. Posted Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 10:05 pm | Permalink

    Ms Cote - I’m not sure who you’re referring to here since I’m not calling anyone. Perhaps you can tell me who it is that is calling you? (By the way - I have removed your number from your post.) I’ll be happy to pass along the info to the proper campaign

    Also - I believe that political campaigns are exempt from the Do-not-call list.

  52. Anon E. Mouse
    Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 3:57 pm | Permalink

    Tom,

    Just out of curiosity, do you know Lisa Hall, Emmanuel, and Chanco?

  53. b.
    Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 12:47 pm | Permalink

    It doesn’t matter whether you are on the Federal Do Not Call list.
    Campaigns get their list from a state data base. If you do receive a just be polite and say no thank you, don’t slam the phone down in a volunteers ear. It’s super rude.

  54. Sheila Walters
    Posted Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 10:50 am | Permalink

    Hi, I bumped into your blogsite yesterday and discovered some useful info on it. Thank you. Sadly though, I didn’t attend last night’s city council meeting because your Update Announcement re. the meeting stated that the meeting was cancelled and would be held the following night instead - which I thought meant tonight (Wednesday). Did I misread the date of the original announcement and therefore misunderstand the date on the Update of the announcement? (Judging from the “raw video” on Pilot Online, I was probably alone in my misconception re the date). Also, any comments on the Council’s decision-making style regarding Alphonso Albert’s position? Thanks again.

  55. Posted Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 10:55 am | Permalink

    Sheila - you misread it. They had planned a special meeting for Monday night which was canceled. The regularly scheduled meeting date is Tuesday and that meeting went on as planned.

    And yes, I’ll have some more thoughts up on the Albert situation ;)

  56. Sheila Walters
    Posted Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 10:56 am | Permalink

    p.s. I just reread your blog and now see that I didn’t read the date correctly of your 1st announcement - I thought I was still reading your Nov. 6th entry. (Wish I’d discovered your blog a day earlier!)

  57. Posted Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 7:14 am | Permalink

    Hi! Nice site!

  58. Posted Saturday, November 24, 2007 at 1:58 pm | Permalink

    wow…nice site…keep it runnin…;)

  59. Posted Friday, November 30, 2007 at 10:59 am | Permalink

    This look great! Your blog makes this boomer liberal want to move to Norfolk!

  60. Posted Friday, November 30, 2007 at 11:05 am | Permalink

    Thanks! And come on down to Norfolk. We can always use more liberals here :)

  61. tmb
    Posted Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 10:55 am | Permalink

    Greetings from the Great Southwest Virginia! I enjoy reading your blog!

  62. Posted Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 11:17 am | Permalink

    Welcome, tmb! And thanks!

  63. Posted Friday, January 25, 2008 at 5:51 pm | Permalink

    Vivian,

    How do you edit the sidebar on your page?

    Don

  64. Posted Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 2:00 pm | Permalink

    Don - I emailed you.

  65. tx2vadem
    Posted Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 11:56 pm | Permalink

    So, I started reading your blog ever since I needed a breath of fresh air from the Obama love-fest going on at RK. And the more I read, the more I like you. Won’t you come to NoVA and run for office here? I’ll vote for you.

  66. Posted Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 10:36 am | Permalink

    tx2vadem - thanks for your comment. I’m not planning to move to NoVA, though ;)

  67. Posted Monday, June 23, 2008 at 12:17 am | Permalink

    Thank you for replying to my forum topic. It was the “Oh gawd, what a nincompoop” tone Raincoaster was using that I was bristling at. You didn’t use that tone. Again, thank you. (I’m not stupid, just sometimes things don’t occur to me. I knew the “paste from Word” button was there, but didn’t think to use it, never having had to before, and so on.)

  68. Posted Monday, June 23, 2008 at 12:58 am | Permalink

    Glad to help :)

  69. Posted Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 6:41 pm | Permalink

    Vivian, you are doing a great job in keeping the people informed.

  70. Posted Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 8:54 pm | Permalink

    Thanks, Lynn!

  71. Lamont
    Posted Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 3:53 pm | Permalink

    “Power is more than presence!”

  72. encore08
    Posted Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 6:44 pm | Permalink

    Thanks Vivian for telling me the right way!

  73. Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 8:39 am | Permalink

    Just wanted to leave a comment that I love what you’ve done with Sandbox! Especially the way you’ve got your bio on the main page. Excellent job!!

  74. Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 8:51 am | Permalink

    Thanks, Brian!

  75. Posted Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 10:10 am | Permalink

    Wow, I have just joined wordpress in hopes of getting to know some people hre, your is the first blog I have visited here. Your blog is so, well it’s awesome, there’s so much going on here, I feel dwarfed by it and worried my own blog just will never meet this type of standard. Oh well, I can hope eh, don’t worry, you don’t have to visit my blog, it’s not really worth bothering anyway, I just felt like saying hello and to say I am impressed by your blog.
    Blessed be Sister,
    RevKF

  76. Posted Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 8:27 pm | Permalink

    What an amazing blog how do you keep so many people interested????????

  77. Posted Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 10:17 pm | Permalink

    Sorry - I just noticed that this page had the comments automatically turned off.

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