Back in the day, there were certain things that reporters knew about the subjects they covered but never wrote about. The biggest thing that comes to mind is Pres. John F. Kennedy's health and his affairs. When the story broke of Sen. Gary Hart and Donna Rice (on a yacht aptly named "Monkey Business") it … Continue reading Reporting’s inside baseball
Category: Norfolk
When does a 3-3 vote equal a majority?
When that vote is cast by members of the Norfolk School Board. “The board did vote in open session, 3 to 3, and with that vote, said that Dr. Bentley had our full support to come in and work with us as our new superintendent,” Tonelson said. Forget for a minute whether the vote was … Continue reading When does a 3-3 vote equal a majority?
Commissioner of the Revenue in trouble – again
As if there were any doubts that Norfolk's Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald needs to be reined in, the front page, above the fold story in today's Virginia Pilot should dispel them. The story lays out what appears to be the misuse of a city credit card by McDonald over the course of three … Continue reading Commissioner of the Revenue in trouble – again
More on Townes buyout
As I mentioned earlier, former HRT President & CEO Michael Townes and the HRT governing board reached an agreement to buy out the remainder of his contract for approximately $300,000, supposedly saving the taxpayers approximately $140,000. Townes is retiring 15 months earlier than in the original agreement, on July 1, 2010 instead of October 1, … Continue reading More on Townes buyout
Remember Bay Oaks
Guest post by Chuck Taylor In reacting to the recent Norfolk City Council action concerning the development of an apartment complex in the neighborhood of Roland Park, I must admit I am of two minds. Of course, I am furious that the Council would ignore community desires and force a huge complex of multi-family units … Continue reading Remember Bay Oaks
HRT’s Townes to receive $300K buyout; Riddick chair
In its meeting Thursday, the board of HRT voted to buy out the remaining contract of former CEO Michael Townes. The agreement will cost about $300,000, but saves the agency about $140,000. I'm guessing this was what was in the works when current President & CEO Philip Shucet answered my question about Townes earlier this … Continue reading HRT’s Townes to receive $300K buyout; Riddick chair
Another petition drive in Norfolk
Residents of Roland Park and Sunshine Homes are launching a petition drive to overturn the decision of City Council that allows a developer to build a multi-family residential development at the intersection of Tidewater Drive and Roland Park Drive. Council voted Tuesday to allow the development, which includes 187 apartments, to go forward with certain … Continue reading Another petition drive in Norfolk
Pilot calls for new Norfolk School Board leadership
In a strongly worded editorial, The Virginian-Pilot makes the case for Norfolk City Council to appoint all new members to the four seats available on the School Board. Returning anyone to the School Board is an endorsement of the division's leadership in the past few years and a tacit acceptance of its irresponsible administration. Three … Continue reading Pilot calls for new Norfolk School Board leadership
Shucet meeting with bloggers
Tuesday afternoon, HRT President and CEO Philip Shucet again made himself available to local bloggers. As it turns out, only Henry Ryto of Avenging Archangel and I were able to make it. After talking about tweeting for a while 😉 we spent about a half an hour discussing a number issues that have come up … Continue reading Shucet meeting with bloggers
A turn at the top
The chairmanship of the board of Hampton Roads Transit rotates among the seven member cities. Soon, it will be Norfolk's turn and the thought that our senior representative on the board serving as chair is causing some heartburn. "I'm extremely concerned it could bring divisiveness to the board," said outgoing board chairman Jim Wood, a … Continue reading A turn at the top
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 