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!

Fun at UVA

I had the pleasure of speaking last evening at a student gathering at the University of Virginia. Hosted by Queer & Allied Activism, the meeting was also attended by members of Minority Squared and StudCo Diversity Initiatives. I was impressed with the activism that these students have taken on. A couple of them had been … Continue reading Fun at UVA →

While I was under

Getting thru the tax filing deadline of Monday was a real pain. But I made it thru 🙂 Took a day off and got a bit of rest Tuesday. Interesting things in the Pilot while I was under the gun: Norfolk ward 2 council candidate Andy Wallach forced council to hold separate hearings on real … Continue reading While I was under →

Ford: Transportation figures in plant closure

I found this letter to the editor in today's Pilot interesting (emphasis mine): WHILE OUR FORD JOBS BURN, THE LEGISLATURE FIDDLES They stopped the assembly line Thursday at work, gathered us together and showed us a seven- minute video message from Detroit. The man commended us on the quality of our work and productivity. He … Continue reading Ford: Transportation figures in plant closure →

Tax filing deadline: time for a change

I've been in public accounting for twenty years. Each year, tax season gets worse. The complexity of the law makes what used to be a simple tax return complicated. As the result, more and more people are driven to seek professional help. Normally, as a CPA, I'd say this was a good thing; after all, … Continue reading Tax filing deadline: time for a change →

Ford Plant closing in 2008

The Pilot is reporting that the Norfolk Ford plant is on the list to be closed in 2008. The plant employs some 2,500 people and builds the top-selling F-150 truck. This plant has won awards for efficiency. I toured the facility last summer and was impressed with the operation. The most surprising thing to me … Continue reading Ford Plant closing in 2008 →

Norfolk assessments up 28.5% and growing

Seems that the 23% previously reported was a bit low. Chief Deputy Real Estate Assessor Bill Marchand reported to council yesterday that average assessments in the city increased 28.5% but could be higher. Final numbers won't be available until the end of the month. Increases by neighborhoods can be found here. 

Lanteigne will not challenge Drake

Virginia Beach Sheriff Paul Lanteigne announced Monday that he will not challenge Thelma Drake for the Republican nomination for the 2nd District congressional seat. From the Pilot article: "I have been advised that with Phil Kellam unopposed for the Democratic nomination, some Democrats are advocating crossing over into the Republican primary and voting for Thelma … Continue reading Lanteigne will not challenge Drake →

Norfolk car tax to increase

Former Governor Jim Gilmore won election based on doing away with the car tax. The program to do away with the tax called for the state to reimburse the localities. Due to the expense of the program, the reimbursement has never exceeded 70%. In 2005, the General Assembly changed the funding formula. Instead of reimbursing … Continue reading Norfolk car tax to increase →

Regional Candidates’ Forum

From today's Virginian-Pilot: City council candidates from five cities in South Hampton Roads – Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach – will meet and greet voters April 20 at a forum sponsored by the Round Table of Business Leaders.The meeting will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 4453 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach. … Continue reading Regional Candidates’ Forum →

Quickie: CPRV Candidates’ forum

I attended the Colonial Place/Riverview Civic League candidates' forum tonight. In attendance were all three candidates for Ward 2: Andy Wallach, Terry Whibley & Felisha Belin. I'll do a complete writeup later (need to get back to doing some more tax returns) but suffice it to say that I think any of the three will … Continue reading Quickie: CPRV Candidates’ forum →