Meeting the demand for financial literacy

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. There are so many pieces missing from the education of a lot of folks about economics and finance. I cited three instances at the beginning of the column but the truth is that I see so many more. Part of the issue stems from the increasing … Continue reading Meeting the demand for financial literacy

WTH Portsmouth?

When the word came last week that the Portsmouth city charter had been changed to reflect a filing deadline for November elections of the first Tuesday in June, people were miffed - and rightfully so. It seems that a whole lot of folks were asleep at the wheel. Portsmouth asked the General Assembly to make … Continue reading WTH Portsmouth?

E-day roundup

The Republican race for the nomination for U.S. Senate was the attention-grabber yesterday, especially in areas of the commonwealth where there was nothing else on the ballot. The win by George Allen wasn't unexpected, although the margin - he received more than 65% of the vote - was. There are a lot of pieces to … Continue reading E-day roundup

American wealth down 40%

So says the Federal Reserve. And most of it? The downward spiral of the housing market. Rakesh Kochhar, associate director of research at the Pew Hispanic Center, calls this phenomenon the “reverse wealth effect.” As consumers watched the value of their homes rise during the boom, they felt more confident spending money, even if they … Continue reading American wealth down 40%

Other primaries Tuesday

While the Republican U.S. Senate contest has garnered the bulk of the coverage, there are a few other local races on Tuesday's primary ballot. In the 4th Congressional district, voters will have to choose either a Republican or a Democratic ballot as there are contests on both sides. Incumbent Republican Rep. Randy Forbes faces a … Continue reading Other primaries Tuesday

Videos: Norfolk Obama office opening

The Norfolk Obama office opened Saturday. Below are videos of the speeches given by Congressman Bobby Scott and 2nd CD candidate Paul Hirschbiel.

Careful on the port deal

My latest op-ed appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday. In it, I raise concern about the unsolicited proposal received from APM Terminals to take over the operations of the Port of Virginia. Information on the deal can be found here, although not any of the financial information. That is confidential and not available to the public. … Continue reading Careful on the port deal

Complaint filed in convention mess

An official complaint has been filed regarding this past weekend's Democratic state convention. I have obtained a copy of the complaint and have received permission from the author to publish it. Complainant Gail Gordon Donegan alleges that rules were violated. The specific remedy requested is the removal of the two male DNC members, Frank Leone … Continue reading Complaint filed in convention mess

State convention part 3: looking ahead to 2013

Yes, I know the purpose of this convention was to focus on the 2012 elections. But being a long-view kind of person, I couldn't help but look towards what is coming for 2013 and beyond. Although he has yet to declare that he is running, there appears to be no challenge to Terry McAuliffe as … Continue reading State convention part 3: looking ahead to 2013

Hirschbiel hosts roundtable on early childhood education today

2nd CD candidate Paul Hirschbiel is hosting a roundtable discussion in Northhampton County today. The topic is early childhood education. The discussion will be held from 5:15pm to 6:15pm at the Northampton County Department of Social Services building, 5265 The Hornes, in Eastville.