Thanks to the little graphic in the bottom of my side bar, I’m reminded that today is the two-year anniversary of the launching of this blog. What appears in the About section of my sidebar was written at that time and I believe remains true today:
The primary focus of this blog is Norfolk politics. Of course, you can’t talk about Norfolk in a vacuum, so sprinkled in are some regional, state, and national politics. And sometimes, no politics at all.
The inspiration for this blog comes from one of Virginia’s most respected forefathers:
I know no safe depositary of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power.
–Thomas Jefferson, 1820
I don’t know that I expected to be here this long; after all, most blogs come and go within 90 days. But it’s been a wild ride and as long as I have the time and the energy to keep it going, I will.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Well, Vivian, I’m thrilled you’re here. The reliably good flow of intelligent analysis and useful information is a big part of why I’ve been paying more attention to Virginia (as opposed to Arlington/DC) politics over the past couple of years. But that’s just the personal impact you’ve had.
On a larger scale, I think you can be credited with a great deal of calming influence over the Virginia political blogs (which, for the most part, I think are run in ways best left undescribed*). We all – across the political spectrum – owe you much, for that.
*See? That was the calming influence in action 🙂
It is also my love’s birthday (and that of Thomas Edison).
MB – not sure about that “calming influence” especially with the stuff that has been spewed in this primary campaign. I’m glad, though, that you have found this space useful.
Congrats on your anniversary, Vivian.
Congratulations on 2 years, Vivian.
You might want to know that your blog provided the inspiration and tonal modal for the one I write. I don’t come close, but if nothing else, you’ve inspired at least one other blogger here in Virginia.
Congrats indeed.
Happy Anniversary!
Glad you’ve stuck around, Vivian.
Congrats on keeping up a great blog for two years and a day!
Happy Anniversary, Vivian. You’ve worked so hard on this blog and it shows. My hat’s off to you — and another 2 years!
Congratulations, VP. This is an excellent site. Thanks for all the hard work.
Have been enjoying reading your blog for months and have one piece of advice for improvement: Get more local. I understand state and national news is interesting, and it is the way you present it, but I read your blogs to gain the local perspective.
For example, it’d be nice to know what Norfolk City commissioners are doing or not doing…more often. Don’t leave them under the radar where they seem to enjoy. Use your blog to bring them out. Help make Norfolk City government transparent, as you are, as should be all poliltics.
Thanks, all of you.
Local – sometimes there just isn’t much to say about what’s going on locally, other than how the bigger picture applies locally. I’m not sure who you are referring to when you say “commissioners” – do you mean Council?
With the local races coming up in May, there will be more local coverage, that’s for sure 😉