Category: Local

Norfolk teacher finalist for national award

Norfolk's own Tommy Smigiel, winner of the Norfolk Teacher of the Year and Virginia Teacher of the Year, is one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. According to this story, when he wins 🙂 Tommy will be a spokesman for educators, with some 150 speaking engagements across the country and overseas. … Continue reading Norfolk teacher finalist for national award →

Governor’s state of the Commonwealth speech

I was actually too tired to stay in Richmond and watch the speech live, even though I had been offered a ticket. Perhaps next year I'll attend. But I did make it home in time to watch. The Governor has been announcing his legislative agenda for some time now, so there were few surprises in … Continue reading Governor’s state of the Commonwealth speech →

Fun day at the GA

I went to Richmond primarily to attend an afternoon reception for Senator John Miller. After receiving an invitation to Senator Don McEachin's open house, scheduled for the morning before session, I decided to head up early. I arrived around 11am, just as the Democratic Senators were headed off for a caucus meeting. I caught Senator … Continue reading Fun day at the GA →

Committee assignments of new electeds

For Senator Ralph Northam (D-6): Education and Health Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Rehabilitation and Social Services Privileges and Elections For Senator John Miller (D-1): Education and Health Transportation General Laws and Technology Rehabilitation and Social Services Delegate Bobby Mathieson (D-21) and Delegate Joe Bouchard (D-83) were both assigned to the Science and Technology and … Continue reading Committee assignments of new electeds →

Isn’t it ironic?

Governor Tim Kaine was in Virginia Beach Monday to announce his push for a statewide smoking ban. The funny thing? Flanked by lawmakers who said they will sponsor smoking-ban bills this year, Kaine made the announcement at Hot Tuna Bar & Grill, a smoke-free restaurant on Shore Drive. Yep. He was in a restaurant that … Continue reading Isn’t it ironic? →

#2 or #3?

In light of recent events, now's the time to revisit my post from last year about who is #2 and who is #3 as it relates to white females and black males. I'm curious as to whether anyone's opinion has changed 😉

ODU president leaving

Roseann Runte, president at my alma mater Old Dominion University since 2001, is leaving for a similar position at Carleton University in Ottowa. In her email this afternoon, Runte pointed out all that has been accomplished during her tenure. The entire email is below the fold. Runte has been a tremendous asset to ODU and … Continue reading ODU president leaving →

Norfolk’s legislative agenda

The City of Norfolk's Office of Intergovernmental Relations has a draft of the legislative agenda. I obtained a copy after requesting it, although it is not yet available on the website. According to the draft, Norfolk has the following items on its agenda (my comments in italics): Legislative priorities: City Charter Changes. Amendment to the … Continue reading Norfolk’s legislative agenda →

OTR 01/06: Scott, Hamilton

This Sunday's On the Record will feature a discussion about national politics with Congressman Bobby Scott. Among the topics to be covered is the presidential race, the war in Iraq, and the prison population. In the other segment, host Joel Rubin will be joined by Newport News Del. Phil Hamilton, who chairs the House Health … Continue reading OTR 01/06: Scott, Hamilton →