It is my personal belief that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would be the right thing to do. -- Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen I had the opportunity Wednesday to spend some time with a retired military officer, one whose background and experience I consider unique to the question of the repeal … Continue reading Another who supports DADT repeal
Category: Local
Another announces for Norfolk Council
Barbara Saunders, the two-time candidate in Ward 1, has announced that she will try for the third time to garner this seat. Saunders, a native of Ocean View, owns a painting company, Saunders Painting, Inc. She serves on the Crime Line Board and is a member and past president of Ocean View Kiwanis. She is … Continue reading Another announces for Norfolk Council
High Speed Rail: Only a few days left
Guest post by Ray Taylor, President, Future of Hampton Roads The formal, federal Public Comment period ends next week on the 11th of February. There are still two ways remaining for individuals, companies or organizations to participate in the decision-making process, and they are: Best method: Mail in your individual or organizational letter (a public … Continue reading High Speed Rail: Only a few days left
Nye signs on as ENDA cosponsor
I'll admit it: I'm floored. Congressman Glenn Nye has signed on as a cosponsor of H.R.3017, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He joins Virginia Reps. Bobby Scott (3rd), Jim Moran (8th), and Gerry Connolly (11th) as one of now 197 Congressmen who are co-sponsoring this bill. I mentioned this bill to Nye last summer. I never … Continue reading Nye signs on as ENDA cosponsor
Tracking the state budget
One of the most interesting parts of my day in Richmond yesterday was a briefing on how to negotiate the Legislative Information System when trying to track the budget. (Click on image to enlarge.) I didn't realize that LIS had so much information on the budget bills and amendments on the site. For the most … Continue reading Tracking the state budget
Meetings on high-speed rail Wednesday, Thursday
The public is invited to two local meetings regarding the Richmond to Hampton Roads high speed rail project. The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) endorsed what is known as enhanced alternative #1. From an email I received: The Regional Position: Endorse the extension of high-speed rail service from Washington, D.C. to Richmond/Petersburg and the … Continue reading Meetings on high-speed rail Wednesday, Thursday
Bill spotlight: HB664 aimed at Sen. Norment
The Virginian-Pilot Monday reports on HB664, a bill introduced by Peninsula Del. Tom Gear (R-91st), which seeks to prohibit members of the General Assembly - or their law partners - from serving as Commissioner of Accounts. The bill is aimed squarely at the only member of the legislature who currently serves: Senator Tommy Norment (R-3rd), … Continue reading Bill spotlight: HB664 aimed at Sen. Norment
BREAKING: Hadjikakos withdraws from Norfolk race
I just received this announcement: Dear Friends: I have been humbled by all of the wonderful support received regarding my interest in running for the Ward 1 city council seat in Norfolk. The reason behind my seeking office is to be an strong advocate for Ward 1 so that the area receives its fair share … Continue reading BREAKING: Hadjikakos withdraws from Norfolk race
CPA Day at the General Assembly
The Virginia Society of CPAs is holding a lobby day today at the General Assembly. The organization, founded in 1909, consists of more than 8,700 individuals - including me - who "actively work in public accounting, private industry, government agencies or in educational institutions." It's that "actively work" part that kept me from participating in the … Continue reading CPA Day at the General Assembly
MLK Day in Norfolk
As usual, I started my day at the Urban League's 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders' Breakfast. This year's host was Old Dominion University, one of three institutions of higher learning in the area - Norfolk State University and Tidewater Community College are the other two - who rotate hosting the event. … Continue reading MLK Day in Norfolk
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 