Author: Vivian J. Paige

A former candidate, I've learned a lot about politics, both good and bad. I'd prefer more of the former and a lot less of the latter and I'm trying to do my part!

Power trumps people – again

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. While the topic is redistricting - a topic, frankly, that I'm tired of writing about - the underlying message is that people need to get more involved. Not when the decision has already been made and a rubber stamp of approval is sought, but before … Continue reading Power trumps people – again →

American Idol results 03/31/11: two eliminated

Wednesday night saw the eleven contestants take on the music of Elton John. There were some really awesome performances - Casey actually sang "Your Song" better than EJ himself - and there were some that were not so awesome - Paul comes to mind, although his suit was pretty wild. My bottom three were the … Continue reading American Idol results 03/31/11: two eliminated →

Redistricting open thread

The maps are available here. VPAP has some interesting graphics on party performance here and here. The Virginian-Pilot also has maps here. First thing that popped into my head, after looking at the maps, was that the Republicans are better than the Democrats at partisan redistricting. If you're going to engage in it, do for … Continue reading Redistricting open thread →

Statement from Del. Paula Miller

Received via email from my Delegate, Paula Miller, whose 87th House district has been eliminated in Norfolk: What has happened with redistricting in South Hampton Roads is unfortunate because Norfolk’s population merits 3 resident delegates just like Virginia Beach’s population merits two resident state senators.  But, redistricting is a political problem, not a math problem. … Continue reading Statement from Del. Paula Miller →

Sen. John Miller announces finance committee

In a press release today, Senator John Miller (D-1st) announced the formation of his re-election finance committee. The committee will be chaired by former Delegate Alan Diamonstein. “I am honored to have so many outstanding business and community leaders involved in my re-election campaign.  This is a diverse group of exceptional men and women who … Continue reading Sen. John Miller announces finance committee →

Quick links 03/25/11

From around the 'net: Rep. Bobby Scott considering Senate bid. This ought to be interesting. I'm convinced, though, that Dems need to wait until after November to announce a candidate. Let's not lose focus on the General Assembly races this fall. Besides, it's be fun watching the Republicans beat each other up for a while … Continue reading Quick links 03/25/11 →

American Idol results 03/24/11

Wednesday night, the remaining 11 contestants took on the songs of Motown. Some of them did better than others but that doesn't seem to matter to the voting public. In the bottom three were Thia, Stefano and Casey. Casey and not Paul? C'mon. Paul is a bad Rod Stewart imitator. And while I like Scotty, … Continue reading American Idol results 03/24/11 →

Yochum named ODU business school dean

Dr. Gilbert Yochum, professor of economics, has been named the Dean of the College of Business and Public Administration at Old Dominion University. It's really good to see that, after a nationwide search, ODU found its next dean right here at home. Yochum has been at ODU since 1975 and has been the acting dean … Continue reading Yochum named ODU business school dean →

An effort in futility

Leonard Pitts of the Miami Herald wrote an interesting article on futility, opening with this: This will be a futile column. Experience dictates that it will change no minds, inspire no reconsideration among those who disagree. It will sit on the computer screen or the newspaper page taking up space, affecting nothing, until another column … Continue reading An effort in futility →