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 →