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!

Push to replace pension with 401(k)-like plans dies

According to The Virginian-Pilot, Del. Chris Jones will no longer pursue the replacement of Virginia's defined benefit retirement plan with a defined contribution plan, like a 401(k), for state workers. The Suffolk Republican had proposed phasing out the Virginia Retirement System's current pension model, which promises a specified payout amount at retirement, in favor of … Continue reading Push to replace pension with 401(k)-like plans dies →

OMG Norfolk – again

I thought I was going to be able to retire the "OMG Norfolk" shtick. But I should have known better. Credit cards again. This time, it is the police chief, who has been under fire lately for a death that occurred in training. The City Auditor said he reported his concerns about taxpayers footing the … Continue reading OMG Norfolk – again →

Rigell’s first town hall

Freshman Rep. Scott Rigell (R-2nd) held his first town hall meeting since taking office Monday evening. An overflow crowd showed up for the event, which was held in the auditorium of the Virginia Beach Central Library. The event itself started a little late, because Rigell stood in the hallway talking to those who were unable … Continue reading Rigell’s first town hall →

Open democracy for $18, Alex

The answer: $18. The question: What does one day's video of the General Assembly cost? As per Waldo, Richmond Sunlight doesn't have any video of the 2010 General Assembly session. (Why the GA doesn't put the video on their site is another whole question.) And the all-volunteer Richmond Sunlight has no budget to buy them. … Continue reading Open democracy for $18, Alex →

Friday fun: what’s your Hollywood job?

You Should Be an Actor   You are a flexible and even changeable person. You are constantly evolving. You are a highly observant chameleon. You have always been good at imitating others when you need to. You are artistic and charming. You have an air of sophistication about you. You are dramatic and very expressive. … Continue reading Friday fun: what’s your Hollywood job? →

58 cents a month

That is the additional cost per employee reported by JLARC for mandated health insurance coverage for autism treatment, according to this AP story. HB2467, introduced by Del. Tag Greason (R-Potomac Falls), passed the House Commerce and Labor Committee Thursday and is headed to the floor. The bill would "compel companies that employ 50 or more … Continue reading 58 cents a month →

Rigell town hall Monday

Been meaning to mention this all week, since I saw it announced on his Facebook page. For whatever reason, I am not on his press list. Rep. Scott Rigell (R-2nd) will hold a town hall meeting this coming Monday, January 31. The event will be held at the Virginia Beach Central Library, located at 4100 … Continue reading Rigell town hall Monday →

Kerry goes to Norfolk council

Virginian-Pilot columnist Kerry Dougherty attended the Norfolk City Council meetings Tuesday evening and witnessed the strange goings-on with which we are so familiar: It was, simply, a well-scripted City Hall show, with everyone in the room playing his or her part. And that's what she said about the informal session, the one not televised and, … Continue reading Kerry goes to Norfolk council →

Hands across the aisle

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in today's The Virginian-Pilot. As shown in the video in the post below, last night's State of the Union embraced a bit of this by having members of opposite parties sit together. But that was just for show. Despite all of the red meat that gets thrown to supporters, … Continue reading Hands across the aisle →