The chairmanship of the board of Hampton Roads Transit rotates among the seven member cities. Soon, it will be Norfolk's turn and the thought that our senior representative on the board serving as chair is causing some heartburn. "I'm extremely concerned it could bring divisiveness to the board," said outgoing board chairman Jim Wood, a … Continue reading A turn at the top
Category: Local
What happened in Stafford?
Until someone emailed me the story, I had not heard about the case of Neli Latson, an 18-year old with Asperger Syndrome. The cascade of missteps that led to the arrest suggest a combination of public racial profiling and the over reaction of law enforcement officers who are unfamiliar with autistic behavior. The story details … Continue reading What happened in Stafford?
Holley “subdued”
That's what the headline from Sunday's Virginian-Pilot called the beleaguered Portsmouth mayor, James Holley III. The writer was being polite. A reading of the article gives a far different picture. At 83, he stays silent for long stretches at City Council work sessions, sitting back while other members hash out issues with staff. When he … Continue reading Holley “subdued”
Final Norfolk Council race numbers
The Virginia Public Access Project has posted the final numbers on the Norfolk Council races held in May. Over $1.1 million was spent in the five contested races, with Mayor Paul Fraim's spending accounting for about 46% of the total. With only 23% turnout (although it represents an increase over the 18.67% from four years … Continue reading Final Norfolk Council race numbers
Bad decision
It is no secret that times are tight. The City of Norfolk is eliminating positions to deal with shortfalls. So I'm absolutely mystified as to how they could possibly conclude that it is OK to give $11,000 to the operators of Afr'Am Festival to help pay police officers who worked at the festival. There is … Continue reading Bad decision
Norfolk Schools news
School board announces finalists for superintendent With the retirement of current superintendent, Stephen Jones, scheduled for June 30, the Norfolk School Board announced the three finalists for the position. The three men - Richard Bentley, Randy L. Bridges, and Robert L. Copeland - will be in town this Thursday, June 17, for a public forum. … Continue reading Norfolk Schools news
Is the amateur political blogosphere dead?
Chris Bowers of Open Left has written two articles (1, 2) in which he opines that the amateur1 political blogosphere is dead. The fallout has prompted posts from other sites (1, 2, 3), who reinforce the basic premise. All of these point to the national political blogosphere, and in truth, I agree: anyone trying to … Continue reading Is the amateur political blogosphere dead?
Statement from Gaylene
Greetings To whom much is given, much is required. - Luke 12:48 I want to take this moment to once again thank you for your support. Yesterday was a bittersweet day for me. It was joyous because, of course, WE won the 1st Vice Chair of Organization position! This victory would not have occurred without … Continue reading Statement from Gaylene
ICYMI: Norfolk Ward 7 appointment notice
The notice to the left (click to enlarge) appeared in the business section of Sunday's Virginian-Pilot. In case you have any trouble with the image, here is the text: NORFOLK CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT WARD 7 The Council of the City of Norfolk is accepting letters of interest from persons who wish to be considered for … Continue reading ICYMI: Norfolk Ward 7 appointment notice
Reminder: Norfolk School Board appointments
Just a reminder that there will be a public hearing at the beginning of the June 15th council meeting (agenda pdf) to hear from those who wish to serve on the Norfolk School Board. The terms of three members - Chairman Stephen Tonelson, and members Linda McCluney and Ursula Rhodes - expire at the end … Continue reading Reminder: Norfolk School Board appointments
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 