Category: Local

Edds on Democratic Primary

Margaret Edds is one of my favorite writers. She seems to just "get it." In today's editorial, which appears in the Pilot, she points out the apparent disconnect between national Democrats and Virginia Democrats in whom they support for the nomination - Harris Miller or Jim Webb - to run against George Allen. She makes … Continue reading Edds on Democratic Primary →

Car tax (again)

Today's Pilot had a letter to the editor from a Virginia Beach resident complaining about a "back-door tax increase" because the car tax relief is only 67% this year as opposed to 70% last year. The letter blames Commissioner of the Revenue and 2nd Congressional District candidate Phil Kellam for the increase: A supervisor from … Continue reading Car tax (again) →

Chap Petersen blog

Former attorney general candidate Chap Petersen has started blogging. I had the pleasure of getting to know Chap a bit during the primary last year. I think he is a bright young man with a great future. Welcome to the Virginia blogsphere, Chap!

More on Norfolk real estate tax deferral

The more I think about and research this program, the less attractive it sounds. To recap: the program allows the deferral of taxes on any amount over the first 10% of assessment growth. Other requirements: Must have lived in home for at least 5 years. Combined household income cannot exceed $100,000. Taxes deferred will carry … Continue reading More on Norfolk real estate tax deferral →

Update: Explanation of amendment

Thanks to "Not Impressed and Angry" over at Not Larry Sabato, here is the text of the explanation of the Marriage Amendment that AG Bob McDonnell's office presented to the House Privileges and Elections Committee yesterday. The explanation was approved by the committee on a 12-6 vote (nays: Scott, Brink, Alexander, Sickles, Dance, Englin) despite … Continue reading Update: Explanation of amendment →

Bush coming to Beach for Drake

On Friday, May 19, President George Bush will be in Virginia Beach for a $5,000 per-person fundraiser for Rep. Thelma Drake. The invitation-only luncheon will be held at the home of Eleanor and Bob Stanton.

Real estate tax rates

Virginia Beach drops their rate 3.39 cents, to $.99 per $100 of assessed value, Chesapeake is looking at 12 cents, to $1.11, Portsmouth is planning on 8 cents, to $1.36. and Suffolk's proposed budget reflects a 7 cent reduction, to $1.01. They are meeting today on this. And Norfolk has basically decided on 7 cents, … Continue reading Real estate tax rates →

Do endorsements affect your choice?

Part of politics is lining up endorsements under the premise that if these people support you, others will, too. Webb got a pretty good push today: Jim Webb received today support from seven past and present Senate Democrats including Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, … Continue reading Do endorsements affect your choice? →

Marriage amendment: more bad news

I think we all know that the battle over the so-called "Gay Marriage Amendment" is almost lost. The only question is how bad the loss will be. Today, a panel of state delegates voted to adopt the explanation of the amendment written by AG Bob McDonnell's staff. This explanation will be included on the State … Continue reading Marriage amendment: more bad news →