Video: Ward 2

On Thursday, April 8, the Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues hosted a candidates' forum for the candidates running for City Council.  I previously reported on that forum here. The forum was broken down by contest. I managed to video all of the Q&A except the mayor's contest, which was last. I got some video of … Continue reading Video: Ward 2

Citizens Board Governance Forum Thursday

The United Way of South Hampton Roads' Project Inclusion Leadership Development Program is hosting a Citizens Board Governance Forum this Thursday, April 22, from 6pm to 8:30pm at  the Norfolk Workforce Development Center (201 East Little Creek Road). The forum itself is from 6 to 7:30, with a reception and networking to follow from 7:30pm … Continue reading Citizens Board Governance Forum Thursday

Virginia and taxes

With the bulk of tax season behind me, two issues have emerged that require comment: the elimination of the iFile program for some Virginia taxpayers and the need to upgrade Virginia's electronic filing system. Although I was tracking HB1349, I have to admit that I only read the brief description of the bill and not … Continue reading Virginia and taxes

Report: Hampton City Council candidates’ forum

Hampton is one of the local cities to have elections coming up on May 4th. Three of the seven council seats are up for election, with two of the incumbents - Vice Mayor Joseph Simpson Spencer and member Randy Gilliland - choosing not to seek re-election. Six candidates are vying for the three seats. The … Continue reading Report: Hampton City Council candidates’ forum

Quick hits

Interesting stuff happening in the 2nd Congressional District. With Scott Rigell all but anointed the Republican challenger, former RPVB chair Ken Golden has decided to run as an independent. CQ Politics is obviously not aware of this latest development as they changed the race from leans Dem to tossup. I'm thinking it should be leans … Continue reading Quick hits

Review: A Raisin in the Sun

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? ~ Langston Hughes In … Continue reading Review: A Raisin in the Sun

Norfolk council: What are they afraid of?

All of the candidates for the Norfolk City Council were invited to attend a forum Thursday night hosted by the Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues and held at Granby High School. Six seats - the five small wards plus the mayor - are on the ballot on May 4. Five of those seats have an … Continue reading Norfolk council: What are they afraid of?

McDonnell’s proclamation

Governor Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation earlier this week declaring April "Confederate History Month."  In doing so, the governor failed to explicitly acknowledge that a part of our history is not so nice: that part being slavery. After incurring the wrath of many, including those in the national media, the governor amended his proclamation, calling … Continue reading McDonnell’s proclamation

Regional Futures’ Conference April 20

The Future of Hampton Roads (FHR) will host a Regional Futures' Conference to address regional cooperation and to inspire and empower future leaders in Hampton Roads.  This free event will be held Tuesday, April 20 from 2pm to 6:30pm at the Crowne Plaza Marina Hotel in Hampton. Speaking at the conference will be Robert Puentes, … Continue reading Regional Futures’ Conference April 20

Union endorses Hester, Smigiel

The Laborers' International Union of North America Mid Atlantic Region last night endorsed Daun Hester for Mayor and Tommy Smigiel for council in Ward 5. This is the first time the union has participated in Norfolk's elections. Not only did the endorsement bring some money to the campaigns - Hester received a donation of $10,000 … Continue reading Union endorses Hester, Smigiel