Antiquated rule discourages regional ventures

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. As you might expect, I'm once again banging on the Dillon Rule. But I'm not alone in doing so. An article in the Richmond Times Dispatch drew my attention to the fact that the Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Governor's Commission on Government Reform & Restructuring … Continue reading Antiquated rule discourages regional ventures

Provisions of health care law go into effect today

Today marks the six-month anniversary of the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Among the provisions taking effect: No pre-existing condition exclusions for children under age 19. No arbitrary rescissions of insurance coverage. No lifetime limits on coverage. Restricted annual dollar limits on coverage. Children under 26 will be allowed to stay … Continue reading Provisions of health care law go into effect today

Portsmouth mayor financial reports in

The financial reports for the upcoming special election for Portsmouth Mayor have been posted on the Virginia Public Access website.  Eight candidates are vying for the seat, which became open as the result of the recall of James Holley. D Stefan Adams - $368 raised ($25 in cash), $25 on hand William C Baker - … Continue reading Portsmouth mayor financial reports in

Reminder: Redistricting hearing Wednesday night

Just a quick reminder that the redistricting subcommittee of the House of Delegates Committee on Privileges and Elections will be holding a public hearing in Norfolk Wednesday evening, September 22 at the Roper Performing Arts Center, Tidewater Community College in Norfolk. The hearing starts at 7pm.

DADT repeal blocked

The dysfunctional Senate voted 56-43, thus failing to advance legislation that would have repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." That it takes 60 votes to get anything done in this age of the Republican filibuster is why I consider the Senate dysfunctional. In 2006, Democrats theoretically gained control of the Senate, with 51 of them. Outside … Continue reading DADT repeal blocked

Portsmouth council community meeting tonight

Via The Virginian-Pilot: The Portsmouth City Council is holding a community meeting at 7 p.m. today at Woodrow Wilson High School, 1401 Elmhurst Lane. The council holds a community meeting every four months to hear concerns from residents. Wow. What a novel concept! Listening to the people. Meanwhile, Norfolk is holding a council meeting today … Continue reading Portsmouth council community meeting tonight

Jimmy Carter on Daily Show

In case you missed it, former president Jimmy Carter was on the Daily Show a few nights ago. Here's the video. Carter was the first president that I cast a vote for - in his failed re-election bid in 1980. I have to wonder how different things might have been had Teddy Kennedy supported his … Continue reading Jimmy Carter on Daily Show

Steele on Smith: “He’s from the community”

Ryan Nobles interviewed RNC chair Michael Steele who was in town stumping for Chuck Smith, the Republican challenging longtime Democrat Bobby Scott in the 3rd Congressional District. Steele must have been using his talking points shortcut (about 1:06 of the video): Yeah, he's from the community, alright. Just not the community where he wants to … Continue reading Steele on Smith: “He’s from the community”

Norfolk, VA Beach council races fundraising

The always excellent Virginia Public Access Project has compiled the numbers from the financial reports due yesterday. Here's where we are: Norfolk In the special election to fill the unexpired term of Daun Hester in Superward 7, there are four candidates. Earl Fraley, Jr. - no report as of this writing Phillip Hawkins, Jr.  - … Continue reading Norfolk, VA Beach council races fundraising