Over the last couple years the City of Hampton has been trying to improve citizen participation in the budget process. Citizens of Hampton were initially upset because they said the city did not listen to their opinion on the budget. So Hampton started going out to different neighborhoods and taking computer key pad generated inputs … Continue reading Hampton trying to improve budget input from citizens
Author: Carole Garrison
Interest vary from water issues, space flight quilting and open government.
Why I am no longer pink
At a meeting this weekend a person I respect quite a bit asked why did people get so involved in the Komen/Planned Parenthood clash this week. There were many petitions both ways. So why now? This is my answer to her on my personal reason why I am no longer supporting the Komen foundation. I … Continue reading Why I am no longer pink
Censorship — Policy Taking Away Teachers Rights
It seems that every day someone is writing a law or policy to take away our right to do something. The one that seems to keep coming up a lot lately is Freedom of Speech. At the national level the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate or the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in … Continue reading Censorship — Policy Taking Away Teachers Rights
Who gave city premission to spend that money …. You did!
There has been a trend that I have been seeing in several localities lately. That is where people complain in a letter to the editor or speaking at council and say who gave you the right to spend money on some stupid project. See example here . The frustration probably stems from when people ask … Continue reading Who gave city premission to spend that money …. You did!
Miller’s Pre-General Assembly Town Hall
Virginia Senator John Miller has announced Pre-General Assembly town hall meetings. As far as I can remember since I have lived on the Peninsula I usually hear of only post General Assembly town halls. I hope this is a trend that other state Senator and Delegates are considering. It is nice to voice your concerns … Continue reading Miller’s Pre-General Assembly Town Hall
Uranium Mining forum by LWV
The Virginia Peninsula MAL League of Women Voters will be having a public forum on lifting the ban on uranium mining. Speakers from both sides of the issue will be presenting and questions will be taken from the public. Details are: Location: Hampton Convention Center in Hampton, VA Date: December 11, 2011 @ 3:30 p.m. … Continue reading Uranium Mining forum by LWV
A Thanksgiving Thought : Thankful for Museums
One of the things I love the most about this area are the various museums and foundations that have special events and speakers. Often they sponsor well know authors in for lectures and book signings. There are numerous variations in our area giving us the opportunity to learn about military, science, history , animals and … Continue reading A Thanksgiving Thought : Thankful for Museums
When technology is used to disenfranchise some citizens
Localities in our area are trying to make interaction with city government easier for citizens. Williamsburg this week released an app where citizens can request city services through their smart phone. Trash can is missing? Just request a new one using the app. No more long waits on the phone. With the capabilities of technology … Continue reading When technology is used to disenfranchise some citizens
Video: Locke/Harmon forum
The Virginia Peninsula MAL League of Women Voters in conjunction with The Daily Press hosted a forum on October 28 for the candidates in the 2nd Senate district.
My pet peeves about debates from this election season
The elections are about one week away. Steve Vaughn posted his "Ten things that are plucking my last nerve", his thoughts on the irritating things of this election season. I thought I would add to that my list of irritating things about debates. First, if you are a candidate and have agreed to do a debate … Continue reading My pet peeves about debates from this election season
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 