Shut out and shut down

My latest column, with the above title, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday. Almost on cue, one local TV station did a story on the severance package of the city manager Wednesday evening, as well as a bit on the incoming city manager. It's one thing that the citizens aren't getting the information. After living in … Continue reading Shut out and shut down

Get ready for a Republican governor 2013

I've been saying privately for a year now that Virginia is looking at a having a Republican governor in 2013. Yesterday's release of a poll showing Barack Obama ahead of all of the Republican candidates polled just adds a little more fuel to it. Recall this from an earlier post: 1976 – Jimmy Carter (D) … Continue reading Get ready for a Republican governor 2013

Tuesday morning quarterback: a shellacking

On the day that their quarterback signed a new five-year deal reportedly worth $78 million (with $40 million guaranteed), the Washington Redskins suffered a defeat not seen almost in the history of the franchise. Out of the gate, the visiting Philadelphia Eagles scored on an 88-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Vick to DeSean Jackson. … Continue reading Tuesday morning quarterback: a shellacking

PilotOnline opinion channel changes

Editorial page editor Donald Luzzatto, in an article this morning, discussed the implementation of the new commenting system on the Opinion channel of the paper's website: At the PilotOnline.com Opinion channel, the online masks come off today. Starting this morning, if you want to respond to a letter, column or editorial, you'll have to provide … Continue reading PilotOnline opinion channel changes

Jen Little: Brian Moran for DPVA chairman

From an email I received: Dear Fellow Democrats, Brian Moran can count on my support in December, and I hope he can count on yours too! I am in very good company with Brian Moran's many, many endorsements from all over the Commonwealth. I am sending this note as a grassroots Democrat inspired to step … Continue reading Jen Little: Brian Moran for DPVA chairman

Clinton on Spruill

I attended Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr.'s annual fall event last night. It was a very nice gathering in Chesapeake with many legislators and local elected officials in attendance. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Portsmouth Del. Johnny Joannou - we had a long off-the-record conversation 😉 Norfolk Del. Kenny Alexander served as Master … Continue reading Clinton on Spruill

In need of a civic renaissance

The above is the title of my latest column, which appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. As noted in the article, the transcripts of the House hearings can be found on the state's redistricting website. (Just so happens that when I attended the Norfolk hearing, I noticed that there was a court reporter there. I then asked … Continue reading In need of a civic renaissance

Veterans Day 2010

From History of Veterans Day: In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the … Continue reading Veterans Day 2010

Transparency

Or not. Norfolk hired a new city manager just two weeks after the current manager announced her retirement and without any interviews of other candidates or input from the public. Portsmouth appointed a new council member just a week after the special election for mayor, also without interviews of other candidates or input from the … Continue reading Transparency