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!

What to do with Dominion’s $524M overcharges

Dominion Power overcharged its customer $524 million, according to this article. The commission staff found that Dominion had earned much more than it needed in order to make a reasonable profit in 2008. They determined that the company's return on average equity, a measure of profitability, was 19.12 percent last year. Dominion should be earning … Continue reading What to do with Dominion’s $524M overcharges →

Norfolk council: Does money grow on trees?

The economy is in the tank. Norfolk is facing a $39 million shortfall. The light rail starter line is 41% over budget, requiring an additional $38 million to $40 million to complete this once-again delayed project. The Commonwealth is facing a $4.2 billion revenue shortfall, a significant portion of which will be borne by the … Continue reading Norfolk council: Does money grow on trees? →

Senate health care bill moves forward

Around 1:15am this morning, the Senate voted for cloture on the manager's amendment. All 58 Democrats along with the two Independents voted in favor, with all 40 Republicans voting against the measure. This allows the health care bill to move forward. It is anticipated that the vote on the final bill will take place Thursday, … Continue reading Senate health care bill moves forward →

Kaine’s budget proposal link

Given the weather around the Commonwealth (although not here in Hampton Roads), perhaps you'd like to spend some time perusing the budget Governor Tim Kaine put forth yesterday. The details can be found here. Or you can use this break from politics to do something else - like take a nap 😉

Governor’s budget: no car tax

I just watched the last of Governor Kaine's budget presentation to the money committees.  One of his proposals is to eliminate the car tax reimbursement that the state pays to the localities and which costs the state approximately $950 million.  Saying that the car tax is inherently a local tax, the governor said he believes … Continue reading Governor’s budget: no car tax →

Cerrato out, Allen in

The news out of Redskins Park is that Vinny Cerrato, executive VP of football operations, has resigned. In his place will be Bruce Allen, son of former Redskins coach George Allen, who will also be general manager. This is, of course, the first of many moves the Redskins will be making. I fully expect that … Continue reading Cerrato out, Allen in →

9500 Liberty: a quick review

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does. — Margaret Mead I attending the screening of 9500 Liberty Tuesday night and as I watched the film, the above quote kept running through my head. The story was one with which I … Continue reading 9500 Liberty: a quick review →

Download software and company will donate

SoftMaker, a company which develops office software that is an alternative to Microsoft Office but is completely compatible with it, announced today its holiday promotion: download the 2008 suite for free and the company will donate EUR 0.10 (ten Euro Cents) to charity. I first became familiar with SoftMaker back in the day when I … Continue reading Download software and company will donate →

Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: it’s gonna cost us

An article in Monday's newspaper about the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) struck me, at the time, as a case of missing the forest for the trees. The act, passed on Veterans Day, will extend residential benefits to spouses of military personnel, allowing them to retain residency in their home state for tax and … Continue reading Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: it’s gonna cost us →

Norfolk Councilman Williams not running

According to a story posted on PilotOnline, Ward 1 council member Don Williams will not run for re-election. “This is my Christmas present to Rose,” he said. “She’s had three serious bouts of cancer and a recent case of pneumonia. She’s healthy and it’s time for us to spend time together.” Williams has served on … Continue reading Norfolk Councilman Williams not running →