Weekly update of my legislative agenda issue. If there is a topic that has generated more bills than real estate taxes, I haven't seen it. (OK, maybe immigration 😉 ) In any event, I have limited my list of bills to those that provide real estate tax relief. There are others not on my list. … Continue reading Thursday update (01/17): Real estate tax relief
Category: Norfolk
Bill highlight: Saxman’s HB328
Del. Chris Saxman (R-20) has proposed that all local elections - mayors, councils, school boards - be held in November. The law currently allows these elections to be held in May, although a change a couple of years ago allowed localities to move the elections to November if they desired. Locally, Virginia Beach elected to … Continue reading Bill highlight: Saxman’s HB328
Norfolk budget shortfall minimum $18.6 million
The Virginian Pilot reported today that the budget deficit for Norfolk for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008 is expected to be a minimum of $18.6 million. Based on economic forecasts, if the city does not give employees raises, start new programs or fund new projects, it will need to find another $18.6 million … Continue reading Norfolk budget shortfall minimum $18.6 million
Wednesday update (01/16): restoration of voting rights
Weekly update of my legislative agenda issue. I was planning to do these updates in the same order that I released the list; however, the Senate Privileges and Elections committee's actions on Tuesday forced me to move it up. There are only two bills on this issue (so far) this session: Senator Yvonne Miller's SJ7 … Continue reading Wednesday update (01/16): restoration of voting rights
Local women’s roundtable
The next gathering of the Women's Roundtable will be tomorrow - Saturday, January 12 - at 9:00am at Friendly's in Janaf. If you are interested in what's going on at the General Assembly, this is a great place to be. The group reviews bills and discusses their status. Representatives from a number of different women's … Continue reading Local women’s roundtable
Norfolk teacher finalist for national award
Norfolk's own Tommy Smigiel, winner of the Norfolk Teacher of the Year and Virginia Teacher of the Year, is one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. According to this story, when he wins 🙂 Tommy will be a spokesman for educators, with some 150 speaking engagements across the country and overseas. … Continue reading Norfolk teacher finalist for national award
Fun day at the GA
I went to Richmond primarily to attend an afternoon reception for Senator John Miller. After receiving an invitation to Senator Don McEachin's open house, scheduled for the morning before session, I decided to head up early. I arrived around 11am, just as the Democratic Senators were headed off for a caucus meeting. I caught Senator … Continue reading Fun day at the GA
ODU president leaving
Roseann Runte, president at my alma mater Old Dominion University since 2001, is leaving for a similar position at Carleton University in Ottowa. In her email this afternoon, Runte pointed out all that has been accomplished during her tenure. The entire email is below the fold. Runte has been a tremendous asset to ODU and … Continue reading ODU president leaving
Norfolk’s legislative agenda
The City of Norfolk's Office of Intergovernmental Relations has a draft of the legislative agenda. I obtained a copy after requesting it, although it is not yet available on the website. According to the draft, Norfolk has the following items on its agenda (my comments in italics): Legislative priorities: City Charter Changes. Amendment to the … Continue reading Norfolk’s legislative agenda
City manager’s husband dies
Drew Williams, the husband of Norfolk City Manager Regina Williams, has died. PilotOnline reports: Williams, 66, had been treated for more than a year for a severe colon infection. He was a native of Michigan, [city spokesman Terry] Bishirjian said. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Williams and her family at this difficult time.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 