The Virginian-Pilot had another front page, above-the-fold, article about Norfolk's Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald. This time, it is a hiring and spending freeze ordered by City Manager Regina Williams. The order came as the result of McDonald transferred an employee who accompanied her on trips to Richmond from the city's payroll to the … Continue reading Another day, another McDonald revelation
Category: Hampton Roads
Nation’s oldest surviving school for blacks?
It seems an English professor at the College of William & Mary thinks he has located the building which housed an 18th-century school for black children, both free blacks and those who were slaves. The find would be remarkable not only for its historical significance, but for its location in the political and ideological epicenter … Continue reading Nation’s oldest surviving school for blacks?
Local races update
A not-so-quick update on what's going on in Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk. I'll have to wait until I have more time to catch up on the other local races in Hampton Roads this November. Portsmouth The interim mayor of Portsmouth, selected by the council, turned out to be a former Vice Mayor Bernard Griffin. … Continue reading Local races update
2nd CD update
We are less than 100 days to November 2 and the race in the 2nd Congressional District is well underway. After winning the Republican nomination last month, Scott Rigell found himself a little short on cash. As of June 30, Rigell had a mere $227,000 on hand while incumbent Democrat Glenn Nye had $1.26 million. … Continue reading 2nd CD update
Portsmouth council: vote for yourself
Let me get this straight. Two of Portsmouth's council members want to be appointed mayor. So the four other council members will be interviewing the candidates, including those two. But when the deliberations start on who will be appointed, all six members of council will weigh in. What's wrong with this picture? Am I the … Continue reading Portsmouth council: vote for yourself
Finalists for Portsmouth mayor named
According to The Virginian-Pilot, the Portsmouth City Council will interview four candidates for the vacant position of mayor. The interviews will be conducted in council chambers Monday at 7pm and the session will be televised on the city's channel 48. The four candidates are current Vice Mayor Charles Whitehurst, current council member Elizabeth Psimas, former … Continue reading Finalists for Portsmouth mayor named
For Gov. McDonnell’s reform commission
My latest op-ed piece appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Tuesday. This week's topic: constitutional offices. I think it is an issue that is ripe for the governor's reform commission - just as it has been for prior reform commissions. That nothing has been done to seriously address them is a testament to the strength of the … Continue reading For Gov. McDonnell’s reform commission
Free to fight
The above is the title of an eight-part series that The Virginian-Pilot is running in the newspaper. Part 3 appeared today and you can read a part of it here. I grew up in Phoebus, just outside of Fort Monroe. Heck, I even worked there two summers, when I was 16 and 17. Nevertheless, I … Continue reading Free to fight
Poor Portsmouth
As if the recall of its mayor wasn't enough, Portsmouth citizens are having to deal with the ongoing situation of Portsmouth Sheriff Bill Watson, which continues to deteriorate. The city attorney has told council to consider suing him to get him to do his duties, the U.S. Marshals Service has pulled prisoners from the city's … Continue reading Poor Portsmouth
Holley recall open thread
7:54 Final numbers: 10,821 voted in favor of recall, 5,154 against. I can guess what the headlines will look like tomorrow. ~ 7:47 pm All but the provisional ballots and one precinct are in. 10,331 voted in favor of recall, 4,987 voted against. The total votes cast - 15,318 - exceeded the total number of … Continue reading Holley recall open thread
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 