This article, which was reprinted in today's Virginian-Pilot, should be required reading for not only Rep. Glenn Nye but anyone running for or already in elected office. It's that there are times in all our careers when we must ask ourselves why we're here. I decided that my desire for public service at that moment … Continue reading Margolies: “vote your conscience”
Category: Politics
Why I care about the Norfolk schools’ mess – and why you should, too
I don't have any children in the Norfolk Public Schools, never have and never will. Yet I am dismayed to learn of the ever-widening scandal related to "irregularities" on the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests that seemingly hits the front page of The Virginian-Pilot almost daily. Not because it reflects poorly on the school system, … Continue reading Why I care about the Norfolk schools’ mess – and why you should, too
Harsh realities
It's campaign season* - which means the politicians are out in full force, promising things to the voters. And the voters are lapping it up, depending upon their point of view. Promises of additional spending - whether it be for schools or neighborhoods or anything else - garners support from those who would like to … Continue reading Harsh realities
2nd Annual Civic Engagement Summit
Civic Summit Set for April 10 and You're Invited! --Hampton Roads citizens to gather for 2nd annual civic engagement summit “Today’s challenges require the informed participation of the public and government organizations that are proactive about the engagement of their citizens.” —Jim Oliver, HRCCE Chair We hope you're planning to join us for the 2nd … Continue reading 2nd Annual Civic Engagement Summit
Sine Die
At a little before 6pm Sunday, both houses of the legislature completed this session and adjourned sine die. The extra day of session was to deal with the budget, which covers the next two years of operations for the Commonwealth. With a $4.2 billion shortfall, some hard choices had to be made. The budget is … Continue reading Sine Die
Saunders campaign kickoff Sunday
Barbara Saunders, candidate for the Norfolk council seat in Ward 1, will have a campaign kickoff this coming Sunday, March 14. The event begins at 1pm and will be held at Ocean View Baptist Church. More details are available in the flier (pdf).
Musings on the democratic process
Once the democratic process is corrupted, the scourge cannot be contained. You see, change isn’t always bad, and standing still can mean you’re actually falling behind. To improve the outcome, the folks who continue to do what’s always been done should be outvoted — or replaced. The two quotes above come from facing pages in … Continue reading Musings on the democratic process
ICYMI: VA Gaywatch
Jon Stewart poked fun last night at Virginia's Governor, Bob McDonnell and Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli. UPDATE: The Governor has issued Executive Directive #1 (pdf) on discrimination. From the accompanying email: While the separation of powers doctrine precludes the Governor from changing the Virginia Human Rights Act via Executive Order, he wants to be clear … Continue reading ICYMI: VA Gaywatch
Who is McKinley Price?
Come May 4, the residents of Newport News will elect a new mayor. Joe Frank, who was the city's first elected mayor in 1996, has decided to step down. Some say the reason is that Frank could no longer count to four: the seven member council has a relatively new coalition of four and Frank … Continue reading Who is McKinley Price?
Shad Planking set for April 21
The 62nd Annual Shad Planking will be held on Wednesday, April 21, beginning at 2pm at the Wakefield Sportsman’s Club. The formal event starts at 4pm and the speaker will be former Senator and former Governor George Allen. Tickets are $20 if purchased before April 1 and $25 thereafter.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 