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!

Predictions on Pilot endorsements: Chesapeake

With the election just days away, a comment reminded me that I needed to get going on my predictions 🙂 Since they have the largest number of candidates and positions, I figured I'd start with Chesapeake. Recall, if you will, the standards by which The Virginian-Pilot makes its endorsements: If you read the editorial page … Continue reading Predictions on Pilot endorsements: Chesapeake →

No to 21% pay raise

Suffolk's City Manager will not be getting a 21% pay increase. Some people over there have got eggs on their faces: the consultant involved in the pay study didn't recommend the raises for council appointees. As an editorial today pointed out, our knowledge of this came only because of the efforts of the reporter: When … Continue reading No to 21% pay raise →

Promises, promises

My latest column, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday. It was inspired by this Compass piece on the upcoming council elections in Norfolk. Candidates make promises to voters all the time, some big, some small. Rare is the case when there is an effort to track whether they actually keep them. When you combine … Continue reading Promises, promises →

I survived

Yeah, I know I say every tax season is the worst yet. But this was truly the worst. I'm convinced more than ever that it's time to make some serious changes to the timing of tax returns. Give the brokerage firms until February 28 to issue their statements, and we'll avoid all the corrected statements … Continue reading I survived →

Just one more day

Due to a holiday in DC, the federal tax filing deadline was moved up a day, to April 17. Oh joy. Unlike most states, Virginia didn't move its deadline for returns that are due normally on April 15. (Don't panic - that's not for individual returns. Those are due May 1.) I'd say this is … Continue reading Just one more day →

UPDATED: What could go wrong?

SEE UPDATE BELOW When I received the email announcing the press conference - RICHMOND, VA - Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R - Stafford) will host a press conference detailing the results of the 2012 Rich States, Poor States survey, an annual assessment by the American Legislative Exchange Council ranking … Continue reading UPDATED: What could go wrong? →

A 21% raise? Really?

In these austere times, Suffolk City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn is proposing a budget that includes a raise of 21%. For herself. Nevermind that "Surprising Suffolk," as it used to be known, is smaller than its neighbors and has fewer employees. Nevermind, even, that the paltry 2% raises for its teachers will likely be scrapped. Nope, … Continue reading A 21% raise? Really? →

Spruill Pancake Breakfast Saturday

Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr. will be hosting one of his infamous pancake breakfasts this coming Saturday, April 14. Former (and future?) gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe will be in attendance along with a slew of other local elected officials. Breakfast is served from 8am-10:30am at the Zulekia Court Building, 641Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake. I know where I … Continue reading Spruill Pancake Breakfast Saturday →

VLBC reception 4/17

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus is holding a pre-veto session reception next Tuesday, April 17. The event will take place from 6pm to 8pm at the Science Museum. RSVP by this Friday, April 13. For obvious reasons, I won't be there. But I hope the attendees have a good time. And have a drink (or … Continue reading VLBC reception 4/17 →