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!

Bush coming to Beach for Drake

On Friday, May 19, President George Bush will be in Virginia Beach for a $5,000 per-person fundraiser for Rep. Thelma Drake. The invitation-only luncheon will be held at the home of Eleanor and Bob Stanton.

Real estate tax rates

Virginia Beach drops their rate 3.39 cents, to $.99 per $100 of assessed value, Chesapeake is looking at 12 cents, to $1.11, Portsmouth is planning on 8 cents, to $1.36. and Suffolk's proposed budget reflects a 7 cent reduction, to $1.01. They are meeting today on this. And Norfolk has basically decided on 7 cents, … Continue reading Real estate tax rates →

Do endorsements affect your choice?

Part of politics is lining up endorsements under the premise that if these people support you, others will, too. Webb got a pretty good push today: Jim Webb received today support from seven past and present Senate Democrats including Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, … Continue reading Do endorsements affect your choice? →

Marriage amendment: more bad news

I think we all know that the battle over the so-called "Gay Marriage Amendment" is almost lost. The only question is how bad the loss will be. Today, a panel of state delegates voted to adopt the explanation of the amendment written by AG Bob McDonnell's staff. This explanation will be included on the State … Continue reading Marriage amendment: more bad news →

MoveOn.org Drake ads – are they backfiring?

The Pilot's editorial today discusses the latest ad from MoveOn.org regarding Thelma Drake. The ad, which can be viewed on the MoveOn.org website (Quicktime required), is the second of three planned. This ad attempts to draw a connection between Drake and lobbyist Jack Abramoff. On the website is a pdf of the supporting documentation for … Continue reading MoveOn.org Drake ads – are they backfiring? →

Divine Denial

Perhaps this post should be over on Moral Contradictions but I couldn't reach Nathan to ask him to post it 😉 From American Prospect: Each of the Big Three networks, plus Fox's broadcast network, have rejected a paid advertisement from the United Church of Christ that bears the tagline, "God doesn't reject people. Neither do … Continue reading Divine Denial →

Reflections on the 5/2 elections

I've been thinking about 5/2 local elections and what the results mean. In Chesapeake, all incumbents on the school board kept their seats. Members of council were not so lucky, however. Three incumbents lost. In Virginia Beach, there will be two new faces on the school board and three on council. In Portsmouth, the school … Continue reading Reflections on the 5/2 elections →

Ear to the ground: Norfolk Mayoral Race 2010

With last Tuesday's elections now over, attention has already turned to the next mayoral race in 2010. Today's Pilot has a couple of articles of interest. Everybody's running Seems that nearly every council member is throwing their hat in the ring. The only ones not mentioned as doing so is Don Williams and the newly … Continue reading Ear to the ground: Norfolk Mayoral Race 2010 →

Reminder: Norfolk Real estate tax rate hearing tonight

Don't forget that the hearing on the real estate tax rate will be held tonight. The proposals can be found here. The hearing is at 6pm at Lafayette Winona Middle Shcool, 1701 Alsace Avenue.