Category: Politics

More on Protogyrou audit request

As mentioned earlier, Norfolk council member Andy Protogyrou requested the city conduct an inquiry into the city's "interface" with Hampton Roads Transit. A copy of the memo, provided to me by Protogyrou, is below the fold. In a telephone call this morning, Protogyrou emphasized why he believes such an investigation is necessary. An attorney, Protogyrou … Continue reading More on Protogyrou audit request →

Census release: 308,745,538

The U.S. Census Bureau released some data this morning on the number of Americans and the Congressional reapportionment.  As of April 1, 2010, there were 308,745,538 persons people in the U.S., an increase of 9.7%. The reapportionment numbers affected 12 seats in 18 states. The big winner was Texas, which gained four seats. Seven states … Continue reading Census release: 308,745,538 →

Passenger rail coming back to Norfolk

Governor Bob McDonnell announced Monday that an agreement has been reached with Norfolk Southern that could bring passenger rail back to Norfolk in three years. The agreement provides for the speedy upgrading of Norfolk Southern tracks between Norfolk and Petersburg so that they are suitable for use by passenger trains. Funded by an $87 million … Continue reading Passenger rail coming back to Norfolk →

Senate passes DADT repeal

By a vote of 65-31, the United States Senate passed H.R. 2965 which repeals the Clinton-era compromise policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  The bill will now be sent to the president for signature, having previously passed the House of Representatives 250-15. My thanks to Virginia Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner for voting in … Continue reading Senate passes DADT repeal →

Webb could support overturn of DADT

Seems all of the calls and emails have paid off: The senior senator from Virginia, with a background steeped in distinguished military service, said he would support repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," policy, provided there is "sensitivity" toward how change would be applied, particularly to combat units. [...] "I believe that the certification … Continue reading Webb could support overturn of DADT →

5% to retirement? Not gonna happen

Governor Bob McDonnell has been releasing his budget proposals over the last few days. Yesterday, he announced his proposal that all workers contribute 5% of their salaries to the state's retirement plan.  As The Virginian-Pilot reported, the state has been making this contribution on behalf of the employees since 1983, when it did so in … Continue reading 5% to retirement? Not gonna happen →

Norfolk officials knew of LR overruns

Color me surprised - NOT! City Manager Regina V.K. Williams, former City Councilman W. Randy Wright and Assistant City Manager Stanley A. Stein knew about overruns and did not immediately divulge that information, the audit says. I've spent some time reading the report. It is damning.  That so many players in this fiasco are no … Continue reading Norfolk officials knew of LR overruns →

Northam announces re-election run

Senator Ralph Northam announced today that he will seek a second term in the Virginia Senate. In his newsletter to constituents, of which I am one, the first term Democrat says that while some things have been accomplished, there is still work to be done. I want to help solve these problems for our region … Continue reading Northam announces re-election run →