A nominee of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell has offered to reduce his salary if he is allowed to remain on the boards of several corporations. As secretary of commerce and trade, Robert Sledd would oversee 13 state agencies and help the governor carry out business-related policies. Sledd is on the board of directors of three companies … Continue reading McDonnell pick for Commerce wants to stay on corporate boards
Category: Local
McDonnell: change budget cycle
I just received an email from Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell in which he discusses the need to change the budget development cycle to odd-numbered years. The Governor made his proposal with only 28 days left in his single four-year term, carrying out his obligation as determined by our current budgetary calendar. Unfortunately, the current budget development … Continue reading McDonnell: change budget cycle
Senate passes healthcare reform bill
In an early morning session, the US Senate voted 60-39 in favor of healthcare reform. All 58 Democrats plus two Independents supported the measure while all of the Republicans voted against. Republican Senator Jim Bunning from Kentucky was absent from the vote. Upon its passage, Sen. Mark Warner issued the following statement: I voted in … Continue reading Senate passes healthcare reform bill
Norfolk council: Does money grow on trees?
The economy is in the tank. Norfolk is facing a $39 million shortfall. The light rail starter line is 41% over budget, requiring an additional $38 million to $40 million to complete this once-again delayed project. The Commonwealth is facing a $4.2 billion revenue shortfall, a significant portion of which will be borne by the … Continue reading Norfolk council: Does money grow on trees?
Kaine’s budget proposal link
Given the weather around the Commonwealth (although not here in Hampton Roads), perhaps you'd like to spend some time perusing the budget Governor Tim Kaine put forth yesterday. The details can be found here. Or you can use this break from politics to do something else - like take a nap 😉
Governor’s budget: no car tax
I just watched the last of Governor Kaine's budget presentation to the money committees. One of his proposals is to eliminate the car tax reimbursement that the state pays to the localities and which costs the state approximately $950 million. Saying that the car tax is inherently a local tax, the governor said he believes … Continue reading Governor’s budget: no car tax
9500 Liberty: a quick review
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does. — Margaret Mead I attending the screening of 9500 Liberty Tuesday night and as I watched the film, the above quote kept running through my head. The story was one with which I … Continue reading 9500 Liberty: a quick review
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: it’s gonna cost us
An article in Monday's newspaper about the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) struck me, at the time, as a case of missing the forest for the trees. The act, passed on Veterans Day, will extend residential benefits to spouses of military personnel, allowing them to retain residency in their home state for tax and … Continue reading Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: it’s gonna cost us
Norfolk Councilman Williams not running
According to a story posted on PilotOnline, Ward 1 council member Don Williams will not run for re-election. “This is my Christmas present to Rose,” he said. “She’s had three serious bouts of cancer and a recent case of pneumonia. She’s healthy and it’s time for us to spend time together.” Williams has served on … Continue reading Norfolk Councilman Williams not running
Where is Amiral?
87th House district Republican candidate John Amiral has left town and owes a pile of people money, including WVEC, the station that aired this story. The biggest question I have: how in the heck did Amiral end up owing media outlets? Have they changed their policy of requiring payment in advance? Or did he write … Continue reading Where is Amiral?
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 