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!

Slaves and the U.S. Capitol

Next week, a plaque will be placed at the U.S. Capitol, honoring those slaves who built it. How different this response is from the last time I visited the Capitol about this issue. In June 2001, I along with a number of others involved with Connecting Communities, went to Washington. Our mission was a simple … Continue reading Slaves and the U.S. Capitol →

Old versus new, change versus same

There has always been a clash of sorts between those who do things they way they have already been done and those who want to do things differently. The desire to affect change is what draws many activists to a cause, whether it be political, social or economic. But change rarely happens overnight. Many have … Continue reading Old versus new, change versus same →

Friday fun: what type of artist are you?

You Are a Thoughtful Artist You may be creative, but there's nothing messy about your approach to art. All of your art is well thought out and planned. You art ends up being close to how you initially imagined it. Your work tends to be quite deep and complex. You know how to produce something … Continue reading Friday fun: what type of artist are you? →

Update: Gaylene for 1st VP of DPVA

Gaylene continues to build support in her quest to become the 1st vice president of the Democratic Party of Virginia. Dear Virginia Democrats, I am Hampton Mayor Molly Joseph Ward and I’m writing to tell you why I’m supporting Gaylene Kanoyton for 1st Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia. Gaylene has been a … Continue reading Update: Gaylene for 1st VP of DPVA →

The new crack

Remember those TV ads that showed a frying egg, saying that this is your brain on drugs? Well, there's a new drug out there: multitasking. Scientists say juggling e-mail, phone calls and other incoming information can change how people think and behave. They say our ability to focus is being undermined by bursts of information. … Continue reading The new crack →

Strange winner in SC

TPM has been all over the story of the mystery candidate, Alvin Greene, who won the Democratic nomination for Senate in South Carolina. The latest is this video interview of him. No offense to Mr. Greene, but I'm beginning to think there's a heck of a lot more to this story than we know. This … Continue reading Strange winner in SC →

Update on Ward 7 seat

Norfolk Council Tuesday agreed to two things that I think are important in naming a replacement to occupy the Superward 7 seat being vacated by Councilwoman Daun Hester on June 30. First, the council has decided that the appointee will agree not to run in the special election in November. I think that is critical, … Continue reading Update on Ward 7 seat →

And the race is on!

Congratulations to Scott Rigell for winning the Republican nomination in Tuesday's primary. He won decisively - by nearly 13% - in a crowded field of candidates, although with less than 40% of the votes cast. No doubt the higher turnout helped. Many predicted turnout in the 7% range; instead, it was closer to 10%. Rigell … Continue reading And the race is on! →

Norfolk School Board: nominations, interviews

In a short press release Tuesday, Norfolk City Council announced that a public hearing will be held next Tuesday, June 15, to accept nominations for the three available slots on the school board. Norfolk remains one of the few localities to still appoint its school board, which has been under fire recently. Councilwoman Theresa Whibley … Continue reading Norfolk School Board: nominations, interviews →

Best election night story ever

Alvin Greene, the Democratic nominee in for Senate. Zero cash on hand. Zero raised. Unemployed. Lives with his parents. What? Unemployed vet wins Senate Dem nomination An unemployed military veteran has stunned South Carolina Democratic Party leaders by winning the nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint. Thirty-two-year-old Alvin Greene of Manning defeated 64-year-old … Continue reading Best election night story ever →