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!

This and that from around the web

City attorney sues website owner On a website set up for women to talk about the men who wronged them - Don't Date Him Girl - a city attorney from Pittsburgh was dissed by two women and several anonymous posters. Doing what attorneys are prone to do, he sued the owner of the website for … Continue reading This and that from around the web →

Blog conference in Martinsville

Another bloggers conference has been scheduled, this one in Martinsville on August 25 & 26. Registration is only $50. Head on over to the Blogs United in Martinsville for Free Speech website for more information.

Kaine budget vetoes

Apparently, Governor Tim Kaine has signed off on the budget, which takes effect at midnight tonight. He vetoed just four items. From the press release: The Governor also announced four line-item vetoes of technical language included in the re-enrolled appropriation bill. “My four vetoes are technical, but they are substantive in that they maintain the … Continue reading Kaine budget vetoes →

Norfolk mayor: more power?

With Paul Fraim set to be sworn in today as the city's first elected mayor since 1916, conversations are already being held about increasing the mayor's power. Right now, the mayor is simply an eighth voice on council, representing the city at large, with no additional powers. We have a city-manager form of government, with … Continue reading Norfolk mayor: more power? →

New laws aimed at underage drinking

Come Saturday, Virginia will join nearly 20 other states in making it illegal for adults to serve alcohol to youths in their homes. Violators face a misdemeanor charge and a fine. "This would require more personal responsibility from parents," said Del. Brian J. Moran (D-Alexandria), the bill's chief sponsor. "If an officer sees a bunch … Continue reading New laws aimed at underage drinking →

Jaded JD: Leaving Virginia

Blogger Jaded JD has written an incredible post on why he is leaving left Virginia. The title, "It is well, it is well with my soul" is a reference to an old hymn that I associate mostly with funerals, as it was a staple in the church in which I grew up. The hymn was … Continue reading Jaded JD: Leaving Virginia →

Should have vetoed the estate tax repeal

Governor Tim Kaine managed to find nearly $29 million in unspent balances, savings and higher-than-expected lottery yields. So he proceeded to propose spending the money on a number of projects, including $1.4 million for Norfolk State University's library. In all, the governor proposed 36 amendments to the $72 billion budget presented to him on June … Continue reading Should have vetoed the estate tax repeal →

Norfolk school board to have black majority

I can't tell you how surprised I was that to read that the Norfolk City Council has appointed a majority black school board. Everyone quoted in the article tried to downplay the significance of this: Fraim said race was not discussed in the closed session. "Race might be an issue for some, but it wasn't … Continue reading Norfolk school board to have black majority →

Beach elections moving to November

In a 7-3 vote, the Virginia Beach city council has decided to move its municipal elections from May to November. The first elections will be held in November 2008, adding 6 months to the terms 5 of the council members, including mayor Meyera Oberndorf, a longtime proponent of the move. As previously mentioned, I think … Continue reading Beach elections moving to November →

I’m back!

I got in late last night. Had a great trip to Upper Michigan, near the Canadian border. I actually went into Canada for dinner Monday night. The most amazing thing about that part of the country? The length of the days. Sunset at 9:30 pm was pretty amazing.