A quick look at some of the stories and other stuff from the past week. Scott Rigell disavows tax pledge 2nd Congressional district representative Scott Rigell has stepped away from his no-taxes pledge. Needless to say, there are some folks who are unhappy about that, including two letters printed in today's paper (1, 2). There's … Continue reading Weekend roundup 02/04/12
My latest op-ed appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday. In it, I take a brief look at some of the implications of a merger between Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School, a study of which has been proposed by Del. Johnny Joannou in HJ173. As an ODU alum, I would love to have a … Continue reading ODU+EVMS=Wrong for now
Businessman Paul Hirschbiel officially announced his candidacy in the 2nd Congressional district today. The picture at left was taken from the campaign's Facebook page and includes Sen. Mark Warner and former LG candidate Jody Wagner. I was unable to attend but local TV station, WVEC, was there. Below is their report.
My latest op-ed appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. In it, I have one recommendation for our legislators: consider co-patroning an existing bill rather than introducing your own, particularly when your bill is word-for-word identical to one already introduced (like here). It would save me a lot of time - and I'm sure others, too. The other … Continue reading Watch Richmond
Educator Geoffrey Canada, the president and CEO of Harlem Children's Zone, was the speaker at ODU Tuesday evening for its 28th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observance. I was there and I can tell you: the guy is a powerful speaker. Pilot columnist Roger Chesley was also there and has a great writeup here. … Continue reading Geoffrey Canada at ODU for MLK observance
It seems that every day someone is writing a law or policy to take away our right to do something. The one that seems to keep coming up a lot lately is Freedom of Speech. At the national level the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate or the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in … Continue reading Censorship — Policy Taking Away Teachers Rights
There has been a trend that I have been seeing in several localities lately. That is where people complain in a letter to the editor or speaking at council and say who gave you the right to spend money on some stupid project. See example here . The frustration probably stems from when people ask … Continue reading Who gave city premission to spend that money …. You did!
Virginia Senator John Miller has announced Pre-General Assembly town hall meetings. As far as I can remember since I have lived on the Peninsula I usually hear of only post General Assembly town halls. I hope this is a trend that other state Senator and Delegates are considering. It is nice to voice your concerns … Continue reading Miller’s Pre-General Assembly Town Hall
Just a few interesting articles on Norfolk in the paper Sunday and today. First up: in a sharply worded editorial, the board calls for the election of the School Board. Ask me how happy I am that we have an editorial board member living in Norfolk for the first time in ages 🙂 While I'm … Continue reading Quick links: Norfolk edition
In an article this morning, it was noted that two judges in Hampton Roads are in trouble: Norfolk Circuit Judge Norman A. Thomas faced tough questions Friday from state lawmakers with the power to give him another eight-year term. Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge Ramona D. Taylor was not invited for an interview … Continue reading Hampton Roads judges in trouble
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 