... who needs enemies? The photo at left shows Norfolk Councilman Randy Wright at a McCain/Palin rally. Sitting next to him is Pam Brown, the president of the Norfolk Republican Party, and, I'm told, one of the co-chairs of his campaign. In the blog post which accompanies the photo, Pilot writer Kerry Dougherty calls him … Continue reading With friends like these…
Category: Norfolk
Friday music
This oldie just seems, well, appropriate. Blades are long, clenched tight in their fist Aimin' straight at your back And I don't think they'll miss (What they do) (They smile in your face) All the time they want to take your place The back stabbers (back stabbers) Full lyrics
As if on cue: it ain’t about us
Just yesterday, I wrote: Lost in all of this is the reason they were elected in the first place: to represent us, not themselves, to the best of their ability. With rare exceptions, it’s not about us. Exhibit A: Changes to ethics rules in the General Assembly, which seemed almost a sure thing in the … Continue reading As if on cue: it ain’t about us
DePaul gets COPN, to build new hospital
It's been a long time coming, but Bon Secours announced today in a press release that the certificate of public need (COPN) to build a new 124-bed DePaul hospital has been issued. “We are pleased that the Deputy Commissioner has approved our plan to build a new Bon Secours DePaul,” said Peter J. Bernard, CEO, … Continue reading DePaul gets COPN, to build new hospital
Democracy in action: candidates file for local elections
Tuesday was the filing deadline for the upcoming May 4 local elections. In Norfolk, where we have five ward seats and the mayor on the ballot, 18 candidates have filed. In Portsmouth, three at-large council seats are up, and eight people have filed to fill them. Over in Chesapeake, there will be five at-large seats … Continue reading Democracy in action: candidates file for local elections
BREAKING: Muhammad out of Norfolk Council race
I have just received word that Michael Muhammad has withdrawn from the race for Norfolk Council, Ward 4. In withdrawing, Muhammad strongly endorses the incumbent, Paul Riddick. This morning after meeting with campaign staff, supporters, friends, and family, I have made a well-thought out decision. Though it was a difficult decision, I think it to … Continue reading BREAKING: Muhammad out of Norfolk Council race
Catching up with Senator Northam
I had the opportunity to spend a little time on the phone last week with my state senator, Ralph Northam. Our conversation covered a myriad of topics regarding the current General Assembly session. Northam represents the 6th Senate District, and is no longer the wet-behind-the-ears innocent that we elected three years ago. Northam expressed concerns … Continue reading Catching up with Senator Northam
Ban political speech?
But once a speaker launches a personal attack at a member of council, there should be some way to limit that. Every council meeting should not be a political forum. The quote above comes from comments made by Mayor Paul Fraim earlier this week after council a frequent council critic attacked one of the members … Continue reading Ban political speech?
HRT’s Shucet meets with bloggers
Hampton Roads Transit's new President/CEO Philip Shucet sat down Monday with local bloggers. In attendence were Henry Ryto of Avenging Archangel, Archie Whitehill of Sparkling Diversity, Eileen Levandoski of VB Dems, Brian Kirwin of Bearing Drift, and yours truly. HRT has been in the news a lot lately, mainly due to the cost overruns on … Continue reading HRT’s Shucet meets with bloggers
Past time for an elected school board, Norfolk
The Virginian-Pilot had a story Saturday about the possibility of an elected school board in Norfolk. Seems some folks have seen the light. Because of what they call a recent series of negative revelations about the public schools, three City Council members say they favor an elected school board. I've long advocated for an elected … Continue reading Past time for an elected school board, Norfolk
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 