Category: Norfolk

Northam campaign update

First thing: the Ralph Northam / Paula Miller headquarters opening mentioned in the post below is on Saturday, August 18 at 10:30am. The Northam campaign will have a similar headquarters opening for the Eastern Shore office this coming Saturday, August 11. Secondly: the campaign reports that things are going quite well. Fundraising, in which Northam … Continue reading Northam campaign update →

New page: volunteer opportunities

I've set up a new page (click on tab above) for volunteer opportunities for the campaigns in the Hampton Roads area. As I get more information, I'll be updating the page. So if you have a few hours and want to help out these campaigns, I've tried to make it easy for you to do … Continue reading New page: volunteer opportunities →

Civil rights attorney Oliver Hill dead at 100

The AP reports on the death of civil rights attorney Oliver Hill of Richmond: In 1954, he was part of a series of lawsuits against racially segregated public schools that became the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, which changed America's society by setting the foundation for integrated education. "He was … Continue reading Civil rights attorney Oliver Hill dead at 100 →

Could it happen here?

The collapse of the bridge in Minnesota earlier this week has everyone worried about the state of the bridges around here. According to this Virginian Pilot story, 15 Hampton Roads bridges carry the same “structurally deficient” rating as the one in MN. “If they were not safe, we’d close them,” said Malcom T. Kerley , … Continue reading Could it happen here? →

A chance to tell electeds about e-democracy

Del. Kris Amundson, one of the proprietors of 7 West, has to speak next week at the National Conference of State Legislatures. She wants us to help her out. Between now and Tuesday, think about what you’d like to say to elected officials about the new, interactive technology. Why should Republicans (or Democrats, depending on … Continue reading A chance to tell electeds about e-democracy →

Norfolk still going after smoking ban

Despite a recent AG opinion (pdf) to the contrary, the Norfolk City Council is still planning to ban smoking. This time, they are relying on the City Charter as a basis: One is through police powers ensuring the health and safety of citizens, which [City Attorney Bernard A. ] Pishko said has enabled localities in … Continue reading Norfolk still going after smoking ban →

Abuser fees beneficial to developers

So says Timothy P. Carney in this op-ed. For years, Virginia developers have been pouring millions of dollars into the coffers of Republican, Democratic, and Independent candidates as well as referendum committees trying to secure dedicated sources of road funding. [...] What’s going on here... is an attempt by the developers to externalize their costs. … Continue reading Abuser fees beneficial to developers →

And one more

Pat Curtis, Hampton Roads' favorite piano man, passed away Monday. I studied jazz piano with Pat more than 25 years ago. It was under his tutelage that I really learned the theory behind the music that I had been playing for so many years. Unfortunately, even the great Pat Curtis couldn't make a real jazz … Continue reading And one more →

Couple of chances to chat with Drake

2nd Congressional District Representative Thelma Drake is making herself available to the public a couple of times this week. First, there is the live blog she is participating in over at The Virginia Federalist. The thread for questions is here. The live blog will take place Wednesday evening at 7:30pm. (Does anyone over there live … Continue reading Couple of chances to chat with Drake →

First HRTA meeting

Mayor Paul Fraim of Norfolk, right, and Mayor Joe Frank of Newport News will serve as chairman and vice chairman, respectively. TERESSA RERRAS | SPECIAL TO THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT The Virginian Pilot reported on the first meeting of the HRTA, which was held Wednesday. Interestingly enough, the topic of conversation was citizen input. The Hampton Roads … Continue reading First HRTA meeting →