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!

Move budget to odd-numbered years

Former state senator Brandon Bell posted this today: I believe it’s safe to say that our current budget process has some serious flaws. But we can fix it. [...] Move the budget writing to the odd years. This would give the Governor an opportunity to introduce and advocate for two budgets, not just one. I … Continue reading Move budget to odd-numbered years →

A look at the Democratic nominating process

Real Clear Politics has a post up about how the delegate race would look on the Democratic side if our delegates were allocated the same way the Republican ones are. While it is an academic exercise, the writer, Jay Cost, concludes that Hillary Clinton would be ahead in pledged delegates. But that's not the meat … Continue reading A look at the Democratic nominating process →

Abuser fees gone

Seems everyone wants to claim credit for this one. I got an email Saturday from the Senate Democratic Caucus. And then Sunday, I got one two from Del. Tim Hugo. Regardless of who claims it, the real credit belongs to the originator of the online petition, Bryan Ault, and the 177,944 people who signed it. … Continue reading Abuser fees gone →

Eileen Olds: followup

Earlier, I posted about Chesapeake J&D judge Eileen Olds. At the time I said: The article points out that two of the roadblocks that she is encountering are coming from black Democratic senators Louise Lucas and Yvonne Miller. My understanding is that there is more to this story - a lot more Last week, I … Continue reading Eileen Olds: followup →

The Pulpit Speaks: March 3, 1956

An article written by my father, the Rev. C. Thomas Paige, as it appeared in the Tri-State Defender on the date shown. Sometime ago, it was mine to learn that an old man in my community, when called upon to pray, would always introduce his prayer by saying, "O good Lord and good Devil..." One … Continue reading The Pulpit Speaks: March 3, 1956 →

Did you remember..

.. to spring forward? The best I could do was get up and reset all the clocks in the house. The loss of an hour at this time of the year is just one more hurdle to jump during tax season. Already there are not enough hours in the day. As I said last year, … Continue reading Did you remember.. →

MN smoking ban: “All the world’s a stage”

This is just too funny: All the world's a stage at some of Minnesota's bars. A new state ban on smoking in restaurants and other nightspots contains an exception for performers in theatrical productions. So some bars are getting around the ban by printing up playbills, encouraging customers to come in costume, and pronouncing them … Continue reading MN smoking ban: “All the world’s a stage” →

OTR 03/09: Smoking ban, spelling bee champ

This Sunday's On the Record will feature a discussion about the smoking ban, which Norfolk is set to implement March 31. Joining host Joel Rubin will be Norfolk's newest council member and ardent supporter of the ban, Dr. Theresa Whibley, along with Virginia Beach councilwoman Rosemary Wilson, who convinced that council to endorse a similar … Continue reading OTR 03/09: Smoking ban, spelling bee champ →

Friday update (03/07): Verifiable voting

Weekly update of my legislative agenda issue. A couple of bills that were sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee last week not only emerged but actually have passed the General Assembly. SB62 (Howell), which deals with registration receipts, and SB536 (Barker), which deals with additional testing of voting machines, move us a little closer to … Continue reading Friday update (03/07): Verifiable voting →

Tuesday update (on a Friday): Payday lending

Weekly update of my legislative agenda issue. OK, it's been a busy day and week so updating this legislative agenda issue got a little behind, though I did mention this earlier in the week. Thursday, the General Assembly passed legislation that will make some changes in payday lending. HB12 as amended includes: A change in … Continue reading Tuesday update (on a Friday): Payday lending →