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!

Play follow the leader, Norfolk

The editorial in today's Virginian Pilot takes on the possible reappearance of the boat tax. Virginia Beach, to pick one example, in 2002 dropped its levy to $.000001 per $100 of value from $1.50. That made the tax on a $10 million boat precisely 10 cents. While that's the kind of tax priority owners can … Continue reading Play follow the leader, Norfolk →

Transportation

I'm not happy with the transportation bill. The Governor's amendments make it a bit more palatable, but there are still some serious problems. The creation of the regional authorities gives me a bit of heartburn, especially since the voters rejected the idea. As others have said, the plan does not address congestion problems. And the … Continue reading Transportation →

Retirements?

GOPHokie mentions the possibility of several retirements being announced tomorrow, a couple of which will affect Hampton Roads races. He says he has confirmed that Leo Wardrup will retire, which should make the race in the 83rd interesting. Joe Bouchard is the Democratic candidate in that race. I understand there is a Republican candidate in … Continue reading Retirements? →

Death Penalty

If any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. --- Exodus 21:23-25 According to Wikipedia, the "eye for an eye" phrase above expresses the opinion of retributive justice. In the United States, … Continue reading Death Penalty →

Look out for the troopers

With 340 hp, these cars are going to be pretty hard to outrun. According to this story in the Virginian Pilot today, the Virginia State troopers are being issued the 5.7 liter, V-8 version of the Dodge Charger. That's a whole lot of horsepower. Of course, if you got the SRT-V8, with 425 hp, they … Continue reading Look out for the troopers →

Smoking ban

The very first trip I ever took to the General Assembly was to accompany then-Delegate Thelma Drake to a committee hearing where I testified about the need to exercise control over credit card companies. I recall getting out of her car and lighting a cigarette. Upon reaching the doors of the building, I put my … Continue reading Smoking ban →

The Pulpit Speaks: February 1, 1958

An article written by my father, the Rev. C. Thomas Paige, as it appeared in the Tri-State Defender on the date shown. One of the most tragic and appalling scenes of history is brought out in the dramatic scenes in the book of Genesis. In the third chapter, God goes out into the Garden of … Continue reading The Pulpit Speaks: February 1, 1958 →

OTR: 04/01/07

Transportation is the topic of this week's On the Record. Joining host Joel Rubin will be State Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer, Suffolk Republican Delegate Chris Jones who was an architect of the highway bill and Mayor Ross Kearney of Hampton, which is not onboard on the regional authority and has called for local referendum … Continue reading OTR: 04/01/07 →