The redistricting subcommittee of the House of Delegates Committee on Privileges and Elections held a public hearing in Norfolk last night. Nearly 80 people showed up for the hearing, more than double, I'm told, that of the earlier hearing in Roanoke. Members of the committee in attendance were Delegates Chris Jones (chair), Jackson Miller, Rosalyn … Continue reading Redistricting hearing in Norfolk
Category: Hampton Roads
Antiquated rule discourages regional ventures
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. As you might expect, I'm once again banging on the Dillon Rule. But I'm not alone in doing so. An article in the Richmond Times Dispatch drew my attention to the fact that the Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Governor's Commission on Government Reform & Restructuring … Continue reading Antiquated rule discourages regional ventures
Help the Foodbank
Yes, I've written about this on numerous occasions. And I even mentioned it at my civic league last night. Bottom line: the economy is tough and people are hungry. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is reporting a "critical shortage in donations." Help if you can. Thanks! UPDATE: I'd like to join Brian Kirwin in calling … Continue reading Help the Foodbank
Portsmouth mayor financial reports in
The financial reports for the upcoming special election for Portsmouth Mayor have been posted on the Virginia Public Access website. Eight candidates are vying for the seat, which became open as the result of the recall of James Holley. D Stefan Adams - $368 raised ($25 in cash), $25 on hand William C Baker - … Continue reading Portsmouth mayor financial reports in
Portsmouth council community meeting tonight
Via The Virginian-Pilot: The Portsmouth City Council is holding a community meeting at 7 p.m. today at Woodrow Wilson High School, 1401 Elmhurst Lane. The council holds a community meeting every four months to hear concerns from residents. Wow. What a novel concept! Listening to the people. Meanwhile, Norfolk is holding a council meeting today … Continue reading Portsmouth council community meeting tonight
Steele on Smith: “He’s from the community”
Ryan Nobles interviewed RNC chair Michael Steele who was in town stumping for Chuck Smith, the Republican challenging longtime Democrat Bobby Scott in the 3rd Congressional District. Steele must have been using his talking points shortcut (about 1:06 of the video): Yeah, he's from the community, alright. Just not the community where he wants to … Continue reading Steele on Smith: “He’s from the community”
Norfolk, VA Beach council races fundraising
The always excellent Virginia Public Access Project has compiled the numbers from the financial reports due yesterday. Here's where we are: Norfolk In the special election to fill the unexpired term of Daun Hester in Superward 7, there are four candidates. Earl Fraley, Jr. - no report as of this writing Phillip Hawkins, Jr. - … Continue reading Norfolk, VA Beach council races fundraising
Del. Abbott helps Norfolk homeowner
A Norfolk homeowner, facing foreclosure, was helped recently by Newport News Delegate Robin Abbott. Abbott, an attorney, offered to help elementary school teacher Michele McBeth after reading of the woman's attempts to save her home in the newspaper. Abbott, who specializes in consumer and mortgage law, scheduled an emergency hearing with a judge to stop … Continue reading Del. Abbott helps Norfolk homeowner
Beach man abuses credit card, charged with embezzlement
And he wasn't missing any receipts. At least three bureau officials reviewed [Reggie] Stevenson's charges every month. But they usually verified only that the charges matched the receipts that Stevenson presented. They did not question the appropriateness of the expenses, even though that's required by city policy, Remias said. "That's where the big gap is," … Continue reading Beach man abuses credit card, charged with embezzlement
City-paid private club memberships
The Virginian-Pilot has been on a roll lately, documenting and reporting on various behaviors of our local governments. It is what the hometown newspaper should be doing and I applaud them for it. Today's other big story is about the taxpayer dollars being spent on private club memberships. At least it's not just Norfolk this … Continue reading City-paid private club memberships
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 