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!

Northam GA update

General Assembly Update - February 19, 2010. By Senator Ralph Northam Greetings from Richmond!  This week, crossover took place in the General Assembly, with all passed Senate bills going to the House of Delegates for consideration, and vice versa.  There was little action on any of the bills I am sponsoring, but the pace will … Continue reading Northam GA update →

Norfolk State of the City address

Remarks of Mayor Paul D. Fraim Norfolk State of the City February 19, 2010 Good afternoon. Let me first of all thank the Chamber of Commerce for providing this opportunity to report on progress made and challenges faced during a year that tested our resourcefulness like none in recent memory. 2009 will long be remembered … Continue reading Norfolk State of the City address →

Norfolk’s light rail: $338.3M – and who knew what when

Philip Shucet, the new CEO of Hampton Roads Transit, announced Thursday that the Norfolk starter light rail line will cost $338.3 million, a 46% increase over what was originally budgeted.  Such a sizeable overage is not normal. According to an earlier article, only four of the 25 light rail projects built since 1997 went over … Continue reading Norfolk’s light rail: $338.3M – and who knew what when →

When was the last time 80% of America agreed?

I can't remember. I'm guessing it was when The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Maybe not even then. But Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that 80% of poll respondents disagree with the Supreme Court ruling that allows "unfettered corporate political spending." The poll reveals relatively little difference of opinion on the issue among … Continue reading When was the last time 80% of America agreed? →

American Idol Season 9: Top 24

Finally! After what feels like the longest introductory series of programs I've ever seen, we have the Final 24*Idol contestants.  Some of those chosen were performers I don't even recall seeing in the preliminary rounds. As I watched the selection shows last night and tonight, it was obvious to me that a portion (the majority?) … Continue reading American Idol Season 9: Top 24 →

Dear Sarah: Please run

In an article reprinted in today's Virginian-Pilot, Leonard Pitts of the Miami Herald urges Sarah Palin to run for president. Pitts wants her to run, not because she's a weak candidate, but because it would force "a desperately needed moment of truth." ... you represent the latest iteration of an anti-intellectualism that periodically rises in … Continue reading Dear Sarah: Please run →

YWCA Benefit: The Vagina Monologues

presents a benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues for the ywca - south hampton roads March 5-6 @ 8pm and March 7 @ 2pm Tickets $15 For reservations please call: 757-214-5430 V-Day is a Global Movement to End Violence Against Women and Girls The award-winning play is based on V-Day Founder/playwright Eve Ensler's interviews with … Continue reading YWCA Benefit: The Vagina Monologues →

The lobbyist & the delegate: husband & wife

Despite the General Assembly taking on of various ethics bills for its members, none of the legislation I've seen addresses the lobbyists. And some of these relationships between lobbyists and members of the legislature have a certain odor to them. Case in point: Del. Watkins Abbitt (I (but really R)-59th)  and his wife, Madeline. Del. … Continue reading The lobbyist & the delegate: husband & wife →

Coffee Party

As opposed to the Tea Party From an email I received: The Coffee Party Movement gives voice to Americans who want to see cooperation in government. We recognize that the federal government is not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process … Continue reading Coffee Party →

The struggle toward inclusiveness

This op-ed appeared in the Virginian-Pilot on Sunday, February 14, 2010. I’VE BEEN thinking about the subject of race in an ideal society, a world where we talk about race without making everything about race. It’s something I long for, something I once thought was not only possible but just around the corner. I’m no … Continue reading The struggle toward inclusiveness →