According to the Virginian-Pilot, lawsuits filed by the City of Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding Oceana were dropped today. The article reports that the suits were "never served" on the federal government. They were meant to ensure that Virginia Beach and the state had a legal argument if the jets moved to … Continue reading Oceana-related lawsuits dropped
Category: Local
Northam for Senate
Ralph Northam will be announcing his candidacy in a series of four press conferences next Tuesday, March 6. Northam, a Democrat, will be challenging Nick Rerras for Senate seat in the 6th district. The press conferences will be held in Accomac, Northampton County, Norfolk and Matthews. In addition to his candidacy, Northam will be announcing … Continue reading Northam for Senate
Norfolk Town Hall Meetings
As a participant in one of the six town hall meetings hosted by Mayor Paul Fraim and held across the city last fall, I received a copy of the summary via mail last week. Entitled "A Report to the Community," this glossy 15-page booklet compiled the information discussed by the 718 participants. The questions were … Continue reading Norfolk Town Hall Meetings
On Drake
A few things have happened in the past week or so regarding my Congressional representative, Thelma Drake, that require mention. First there was the incident at her Virginia Beach office. I don't have a clue as to whether the decision to pretend that the office was closed was hers or that of her staff but … Continue reading On Drake
Thurmond’s family owned Sharpton’s
This must be a shock for all concerned: Genealogists have found that civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton is a descendent of a slave owned by relatives of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond, a newspaper reported Sunday. The newspaper reporting the information is The New York Daily News, which hired Ancestry.com to do the … Continue reading Thurmond’s family owned Sharpton’s
The local state of Black America
Interesting article in today's Virginian-Pilot in which local black executives are interviewed. Some highlights: Still, relatively few blacks sit on the highest rungs of most local companies: Two of Norfolk Southern's 24 vice presidents - Wimbush and Terry Evans - are black. At Northrop Grumman Newport News shipbuilding, one of 16 vice presidents - Veasey … Continue reading The local state of Black America
HB 3202 Conference report
I have the report. Total funding in package is approximately $1.5 billion a year, from the following: Statewide revenue stream $760.9 million in the first year: General fund - $500 million 1/3 insurance premiums - $109.8 million Increase DMV registration fees by $10 -$62.4 million Collect fees from abusive drivers - $57.5 mil Heavy truch … Continue reading HB 3202 Conference report
On live blogs
There has been some talk in the blogsphere of live blogging by elected officials. The comparisons to podcasts, videocasts and radio have been raised. The question is: do live blogs serve a purpose? I believe the answer is a resounding yes. Live blogs are not perfect, but then neither are any of the mediums. Live … Continue reading On live blogs
On Hardaway
Today's Virginian-Pilot contained a reprint of this Leonard Pitts article on homophobe Tim Hardaway. In case you missed it, here's what Hardaway, a former NBA player had to say on a radio show last week: "You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known," Hardaway said. "I don't like gay people and … Continue reading On Hardaway
ODU’s Koch at VBTA
Received this notice via email regarding the Virginia Beach Taxpayer Alliance meeting this coming Saturday, February 24: Dr. James Koch will provide an economic overview of our region and what can be expected in the near and long-term as pressures continue to leave an imprint in our ability to expand and adjust to market forces. … Continue reading ODU’s Koch at VBTA
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 