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!

5% to retirement? Not gonna happen

Governor Bob McDonnell has been releasing his budget proposals over the last few days. Yesterday, he announced his proposal that all workers contribute 5% of their salaries to the state's retirement plan.  As The Virginian-Pilot reported, the state has been making this contribution on behalf of the employees since 1983, when it did so in … Continue reading 5% to retirement? Not gonna happen →

Norfolk officials knew of LR overruns

Color me surprised - NOT! City Manager Regina V.K. Williams, former City Councilman W. Randy Wright and Assistant City Manager Stanley A. Stein knew about overruns and did not immediately divulge that information, the audit says. I've spent some time reading the report. It is damning.  That so many players in this fiasco are no … Continue reading Norfolk officials knew of LR overruns →

Northam announces re-election run

Senator Ralph Northam announced today that he will seek a second term in the Virginia Senate. In his newsletter to constituents, of which I am one, the first term Democrat says that while some things have been accomplished, there is still work to be done. I want to help solve these problems for our region … Continue reading Northam announces re-election run →

More bloggers join the MSM

It has been interesting over the years that I've been blogging (almost five now) to watch both the response of the main stream media (MSM) to the blogosphere as well as the reverse. Nearly every MSM site includes blogs now, mostly manned by staff. Newspapers and other MSM sources continue to be the primary source … Continue reading More bloggers join the MSM →

Mayor’s presentation on transportation

Last week, Norfolk's Mayor Paul Fraim made a presentation to Norfolk civic league presidents on transportation. The video of the event is here and is about 30 minutes long. On that same day, The Virginian-Pilot had a lead story which included the picture to the left (click to enlarge) which graphically demonstrates the transportation woes … Continue reading Mayor’s presentation on transportation →

HRT kept true light rail costs secret

This is beyond believable: Months before signing legal documents assuring federal officials they could build light rail for $232 million, Hampton Roads Transit leaders knew it would actually cost tens of millions of dollars more, a new state investigation reveals. In fact, HRT senior officials maintained a separate, internal accounting of light rail costs that … Continue reading HRT kept true light rail costs secret →

Part of health care law ruled unconstitutional

Judge Henry Hudson ruled today that the portion of the health care reform bill that requires individuals to purchase insurance is unconstitutional. In a 42-page opinion (below the fold) the judge ordered that part severed from the bill.  With the contrary rulings by judges in Lynchburg and in Michigan, the final determination will ultimately be … Continue reading Part of health care law ruled unconstitutional →

Monday morning quarterback: Redskins 5-8

The Washington Redskins proved, once again, how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. There was so much blame to go around it's hard to know where to start. The missed opportunities to score touchdowns when in the red zone in the first half Two missed field goals in the first half The abandonment of … Continue reading Monday morning quarterback: Redskins 5-8 →

Finally caved

Yep, I finally gave in and joined Facebook. Not because I have the time for it - because I don't - but because it's just another tool in the toolbox of communications. Besides, the email invitations kept coming 😉 It was my intention to just set up a page which would automatically post my blog … Continue reading Finally caved →

Friday fun: how much do you know about Christmas?

You Know a Lot About Christmas You got 10/10 correct  You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details. Random Christmas fact: In early England, the traditional Christmas dinner was a pig's head prepared with mustard. … Continue reading Friday fun: how much do you know about Christmas? →