Today's Pilot editorial discusses the efforts of Virginia Beach councilman Jim Wood to move that city's municipal elections from May to November. Wood is trying to accomplish what Mayor Meyera Oberndorf was unable to do in 2001 or 2003 and follows the lead of the City of Richmond, who saw its voter turnout increase from … Continue reading Municipal elections in November
Month: May 2006
Local reporting of Miller vs Webb, Part 1
I mentioned in my earlier post on yesterday's debate that this will be the first opportunity for many people in Hampton Roads to see Harris Miller and Jim Webb. I took a look around the local media outlets to see what information has been reported on the candidates. Here is what I've found in terms … Continue reading Local reporting of Miller vs Webb, Part 1
Kaine in Norfolk Monday
Governor Tim Kaine will travel to Norfolk on Monday for a closed door meeting with United Auto Workers Local 919 regarding the closing of the Norfolk Ford plant. Wonder what he'll have to say to them about their possible strike in 2007? I also see on his public schedule that he will be participating in … Continue reading Kaine in Norfolk Monday
Bush in town for Drake
President George Bush came to Hampton Roads today for a $5,000 per plate fundraiser luncheon for US Rep. Thelma Drake, who did not attend the event. Pilotonline has this story but gives no real reason behind Drake's decision to stay in Washington, only saying that she had "important congressional business" to attend to. Fellow Hampton … Continue reading Bush in town for Drake
Miller versus Webb debate
I expect that this debate may be the first and only time that many people in Hampton Roads will have the opportunity to hear the candidates speak. It was the first time that I have heard Webb speak and only the second time that I have heard Miller. Based on what others have said about … Continue reading Miller versus Webb debate
Medicare pays for mistakes
From AP: The government could save hundreds of millions of dollars a year if the Medicare program would stop paying for medical errors such as operations on the wrong body part or mismatched blood transfusions. Say what? Medicare is going broke and the government is paying for mistakes??!!
Hastert: “If You Earn $40,000 a Year and Have a Family of Two Children, You Don’t Pay Any Taxes”
From Think Progress: During a late session last night, Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) made a stunning claim on the House floor: Well, folks, if you earn $40,000 a year and have a family of two children, you don’t pay any taxes. So you probably, if you don’t pay any taxes, you are not going to … Continue reading Hastert: “If You Earn $40,000 a Year and Have a Family of Two Children, You Don’t Pay Any Taxes”
LWV-SHR: Transportation
Tonight I attended the Annual Meeting of the League of Women Voters of South Hampton Roads. For those who are not familiar with the organization, here is a bit from the national website: The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, has fought since 1920 to improve our systems of government and impact public … Continue reading LWV-SHR: Transportation
Richmonder Yamin booted off Idol
In another life, I made my living singing six nights a week. (And I was a music major in college originally.) So I'm a big fan of American Idol (and thank goodness for Tivo 🙂 ) If this program had been around 20 years ago, I would have been in first line to audition. This … Continue reading Richmonder Yamin booted off Idol
This ‘n that
Reminder: The deadline for signing up for the Norfolk Real Estate Tax Relief Program for the Elderly and Disabled is June 1. Suffolk council has agreed to - but not voted on - a real estate tax rate reduction, making the proposed rate of 94 cents per $100 of assessed value the lowest in the … Continue reading This ‘n that