Category: Norfolk

Norfolk Commissioner: “She broke the public trust”

So says Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim of Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald. “Sharon felt once she had a travel budget, it was an entitlement,” he said. “There is no logical justification for the ... hundreds of hotel room stays, hundreds and hundreds of meals, gifts, et cetera. The council no longer has faith in … Continue reading Norfolk Commissioner: “She broke the public trust” →

Rules, but no laws, broken Commish credit card use

According to The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald "did not break any laws" in her use of a city credit card but she did not follow the rules regarding the use of credit cards. The audit looked at credit card transactions beginning in July 2005. Of the more than $80,000 in purchases, … Continue reading Rules, but no laws, broken Commish credit card use →

Norfolk OMG

I tell you: it's rough living in Norfolk these days. Seems like every day, there is some new revelation about somebody doing something wrong.  Just this week: Sunday - we learned that a Norfolk city official used a city credit card to buy a $250 phone for a gang banger.  The guy used the phone … Continue reading Norfolk OMG →

Webb secures hearing on JFCOM

Virginia Senator Jim Webb has convinced the chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services to hold a full committee hearing on the closing of the U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) in Norfolk, along with the other efficiency initiatives announced by Secretary of Defense Gates. The hearing will be scheduled when the Senate reconvenes in … Continue reading Webb secures hearing on JFCOM →

Obstacles to public service in Norfolk

My latest op-ed appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. Friday is the filing deadline for November's special election to fill the council seat in Superward 7. Who will be not only willing but able to serve? Will the voters choices be limited to those who can make a meeting at 2:30 in the afternoon a couple of … Continue reading Obstacles to public service in Norfolk →

Reminder: Governor in Norfolk tonight

Just a reminder that Governor Bob McDonnell will be hold a town hall meeting at Old Dominion University this evening. The event will be held in the Hampton/Newport News room at Webb Center from 7pm to 8:30pm.

More McDonald revelations

Saturday's Virginian-Pilot brought more revelations in the ongoing saga of Norfolk Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald. While the headline pointed towards whether City Manager Regina Williams has the authority to order a hiring freeze and a ban on travel, it was the opening paragraph that raised more than a few eyebrows: Commissioner of Revenue … Continue reading More McDonald revelations →

Another day, another McDonald revelation

The Virginian-Pilot had another front page, above-the-fold, article about Norfolk's Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald.  This time, it is a hiring and spending freeze ordered by City Manager Regina Williams. The order came as the result of McDonald transferred an employee who accompanied her on trips to Richmond from the city's payroll to the … Continue reading Another day, another McDonald revelation →

Governor to visit Norfolk Aug. 9

Governor Bob McDonnell will hold a series of town hall meetings across the state beginning August 4. Dubbed the "Virginia Speaks" tour, the series will allow citizens to speak directly to the Governor and members of his cabinet and administration. The only Hampton Roads stop is scheduled for Monday, August 9, from 7pm to 8:30pm … Continue reading Governor to visit Norfolk Aug. 9 →