Author: Mark Brooks

Independent Journalist/Photographer --- USN Veteran. Involved as a citizen and journalist in politics and open government locally and sometimes statewide. Interests: photography, music, justice and equality for everyone.

Bits and pieces

There have been so many things I have looked at and read lately, I haven't been able to write about all of them. So today, I will be leaving a few items here for you to look at when you get the time. This first story has the unlikely title, "Another CVS Claims Uterus Is … Continue reading Bits and pieces →

Cumberland County Attorney asked to leave

County Attorney Howard Estes has been asked to leave, with an effective date of March 31, 2012. This information was obtained from a very reliable source inside the Cumberland County Government complex. Not many details are available, but Mr. Estes at one time was making $285,000 a year for representing this county of 10,000 residents. … Continue reading Cumberland County Attorney asked to leave →

Martinsville unemployment 15.6% while Robert Hurt votes on another abortion bill

At a time when some localities in the 5th Congressional District have high unemployment rates, our congressman, Robert Hurt (R-Chatham) has been doing exactly as he is told. His masters in Congress give him the instructions. This means voting against extended unemployment, voting against actual job plans brought to the House, and voting to restrict … Continue reading Martinsville unemployment 15.6% while Robert Hurt votes on another abortion bill →

Robert Hurt tired of Washington already

(I have delayed talking about next year's Congressional races until after the elections here in Virginia were over. I will have a lot to say about Hurt, his inaction in Congress, and his habit of following instead of leading.) In an interview with the Farmville Herald published on October 6, 2011, Robert Hurt answered the … Continue reading Robert Hurt tired of Washington already →

Christmas music mixes online

A couple of years ago, Waldo Jaquith posted a few places where you can find some Christmas music mixes. I am reposting them here, in hopes of perpetuating them and for people to enjoy the holidays with a mix usually about an hour apiece. I figure Waldo has enough to do right now, so here's … Continue reading Christmas music mixes online →

Social Security especially important in rural areas

The Daily Yonder, a great place for facts and information, had an article recently about the increased dependence on Social Security payments by those in rural areas of the country. The article argues that a higher percentage of residents receive benefits, and that the average payment is also higher than the national averages or the … Continue reading Social Security especially important in rural areas →

Cumberland County voted out 4 of 5 Supervisors last Tuesday

After waiting until Wednesday evening for results, Cumberland County voters finally knew who would represent District 3 as a supervisor. A voting machine malfunction at 6:30AM on voting day caused the totals to not be able to be read by the poll workers and the Registrar. SBE personnel had to come to Cumberland to work … Continue reading Cumberland County voted out 4 of 5 Supervisors last Tuesday →

Connie Brennan gains News-Advance endorsement (HD-59)

Connie Brennan of Nelson County, the Democratic nominee for the House of Delegates seat in District 59, has gained the endorsement of the News-Advance newspaper based in Lynchburg. Brennan, who was also a candidate 4 years ago for the same seat, is finishing her campaign with a flourish in the shrunken district. The News-Advance editorial … Continue reading Connie Brennan gains News-Advance endorsement (HD-59) →

Candidate Bert Dodson answers some questions (Senate-22)

I recently had a chance to interview Bert Dodson (by email), Democrat running for the Senate in the newly-formed 22nd District. He is a businessman from Lynchburg, and has served on the City Council. Here then are the questions I asked and answers from Mr. Dodson. My questions are in italics, his answer has his … Continue reading Candidate Bert Dodson answers some questions (Senate-22) →

How much money does your doctor take from industry?

The investigative website ProPublica has announced further results in their investigation into money that is given to medical professionals by those in the medical industry, such as pharmaceutical companies. It's a very handy compilation of money listed from all 50 states that goes to professionals in the form of promotional items (pens, clipboards, etc) and … Continue reading How much money does your doctor take from industry? →