Virginia Beach, Chesapeake shenanigans

No longer can South Hampton Roads residents point to Norfolk for the follies of its elected representatives. Add Virginia Beach and Chesapeake to the mix. In Virginia Beach, Dan Lowe, the school board member representing the Bayside district, resigned. The remaining members get to appoint a replacement. Current at-large member Carolyn Weems was one of … Continue reading Virginia Beach, Chesapeake shenanigans

Portsmouth sheriff threatens removal of courthouse security

For the second time this year, Portsmouth Sheriff Bill Watson has threatened action in the city in a dispute over compensation. Earlier this year, Watson threatened to suspend services provided by inmate work crews unless his deputies received raises. This time, Watson says he will keep his deputies from providing courthouse security. “Jan. 4, they … Continue reading Portsmouth sheriff threatens removal of courthouse security

Update: sentence reduced in Craigslist robber case

In an earlier post, I asked your opinions on the sentence of a robber who used Craigslist to lure victims. The man was sentenced to five life terms. Due to his cooperation in the investigation, his sentence has been reduced to 33 years. Interesting is that his co-defendant, against whom the robber testified, got only … Continue reading Update: sentence reduced in Craigslist robber case

Exhibit #9,9999,999 on VA campaign finance reform

Brian over at Bearing Drift brought up an issue that I had been thinking about in conjunction with last Saturday's Republican canvass.  Although I don't live in the 8th Senate district, I was as inundated with TV and radio ads as anyone who did. The only thing missing was the mail, which I understand was … Continue reading Exhibit #9,9999,999 on VA campaign finance reform

Norfolk first in digital cities

Somehow, I missed this earlier. The Center for Digital Government and Digital Communities Magazine named its Top Digital Cities in America for 2009 and Norfolk was named the number one city in its category (125,000 - 249,999 population). "This year's winners demonstrate how cities have faced economic challenges with creativity and innovation in the use … Continue reading Norfolk first in digital cities

Vote Wilson December 5

The election to select the next Senator from the 8th District may be scheduled for January 12, but the real election will take place tomorrow, December 5. With no Democratic candidate, the voters in the 8th will choose their representative in a Republican canvass. I'm urging everyone - Republican and Democrat alike - to head … Continue reading Vote Wilson December 5

Where does McWaters stand?

The Virginian-Pilot broke with tradition today with its endorsement in a primary race that is tantamount to election. The winner of this Saturday's Republican canvass will be the representative of the 8th Senate District in Virginia Beach, unless a late Democratic opponent emerges, which is unlikely. I applaud the Pilot for finally endorsing in races … Continue reading Where does McWaters stand?

Who is Rosemary Wilson?

I guess I haven't paid nearly as much attention to the Virginia Beach City Council as I probably should have. A quick search on my blog reveals very little about the second candidate for the Republican nomination for Senate in the 8th district, Virginia Beach councilwoman Rosemary Wilson. Not a problem, really, as Wilson and … Continue reading Who is Rosemary Wilson?

Speaker releases House Ethics Panel report

Speaker Bill Howell has released the report of the House Ethics Panel inquiry into Newport News Delegate Phil Hamilton. The report (pdf) is, as expected, brief: since Hamilton has resigned, the panel says it lacks jurisdiction to proceed. In an email, Speaker Howell says: While I regret that their fact-finding inquiry did not reach a … Continue reading Speaker releases House Ethics Panel report

VA-01 candidate Ball on MSNBC

What a way to spend your birthday! Krystal Ball, one of two Democrats seeking to take on Republican incumbent Rob Wittman, appeared this morning on MSNBC's "Morning Meeting." Happy birthday, Krystal!