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!

Commissioner of the Revenue in trouble – again

As if there were any doubts that Norfolk's Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald needs to be reined in, the front page, above the fold story in today's Virginia Pilot should dispel them. The story lays out what appears to be the misuse of a city credit card by McDonald over the course of three … Continue reading Commissioner of the Revenue in trouble – again →

House Dems ask for Governor’s intervention on US Navy Vets investigation

In a letter to Governor Bob McDonnell, Virginia House Democratic leaders Ken Plum and Ward Armstrong are requesting that he remove from Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's office the investigation of the U. S. Navy Veterans' Association and "immediately redirect the investigation to the Virginia State Police." U.S. Vets has come under scrutiny as allegations of … Continue reading House Dems ask for Governor’s intervention on US Navy Vets investigation →

Opinion, please: covering the opposite

Late last week, Washington Post blogger David Weigel resigned from his post after emails he wrote to a private listserv became public. Weigel, who covered the conservative movement and the Republican Party, it turns out, is not a conservative. What he is depends on what source you use, but most agree he is a libertarian. … Continue reading Opinion, please: covering the opposite →

More on Townes buyout

As I mentioned earlier, former HRT President & CEO Michael Townes and the HRT governing board reached an agreement to buy out the remainder of his contract for approximately $300,000, supposedly saving the taxpayers approximately $140,000.  Townes is retiring 15 months earlier than in the original agreement, on July 1, 2010 instead of October 1, … Continue reading More on Townes buyout →

HRT’s Townes to receive $300K buyout; Riddick chair

In its meeting Thursday,  the board of HRT voted to buy out the remaining contract of former CEO Michael Townes. The agreement will cost about $300,000, but saves the agency about $140,000. I'm guessing this was what was in the works when current President & CEO Philip Shucet answered my question about Townes  earlier this … Continue reading HRT’s Townes to receive $300K buyout; Riddick chair →

Friday fun: how do you react?

You Are a Bit Cool You like to keep a bit of distance from other people. You take an interest in them, but you don't like to get too involved. You are a confident person, and you're aware of the image you project. You act like you're in control even when you're not. You are … Continue reading Friday fun: how do you react? →

Kenny Golden, candidate for Congress

In the latest installment of PoliTalk, I interviewed independent candidate Kenny Golden. (Note, if you press the large play button in the middle, you will be taken to the UStream page where this video is located. If you want to stay on my blog, press the smaller play button on the bottom.) If you are … Continue reading Kenny Golden, candidate for Congress →

Another petition drive in Norfolk

Residents of Roland Park and Sunshine Homes are launching a petition drive to overturn the decision of City Council that allows a developer to build a multi-family residential development at the intersection of Tidewater Drive and Roland Park Drive. Council voted Tuesday to allow the development, which includes 187 apartments, to go forward with certain … Continue reading Another petition drive in Norfolk →

Pilot calls for new Norfolk School Board leadership

In a strongly worded editorial, The Virginian-Pilot makes the case for Norfolk City Council to appoint all new members to the four seats available on the School Board. Returning anyone to the School Board is an endorsement of the division's leadership in the past few years and a tacit acceptance of its irresponsible administration. Three … Continue reading Pilot calls for new Norfolk School Board leadership →