Category: Politics

Hamilton latest: subpoenas, ethics rules overhaul

The Virginian-Pilot has been all over the latest information on the Phil Hamilton situation. In an article on the front page of Tuesday's paper (strangely buried on the website here), the cancellation of the ethics probe is causing concern. Frustrated by the halt to the inquiry, House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, D-Henry County, said Tuesday … Continue reading Hamilton latest: subpoenas, ethics rules overhaul →

Democracy in action in Norfolk

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” — Margaret Mead The quote above is one of my favorites. And Tuesday, we got an opportunity to see it happen. It started with a phone call that I received Monday morning. Yes, … Continue reading Democracy in action in Norfolk →

Council backs off charter changes

I'm sitting in the Norfolk City Council meeting. After the informal session, council had already decided to vote down the charter changes. Thanks to all who called, emailed and otherwise contacted our council members. This is Democracy in action, folks!

NORFOLK ALERT: Proposed charter changes

City Council will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, November 17, at 2:30pm. The council agenda is here. Included on the agenda is a public hearing on charter changes, which have to be approved by the General Assembly. You can read the proposed changes in this pdf. Of particular concern to me is the change in sections 32 … Continue reading NORFOLK ALERT: Proposed charter changes →

Hamilton resigns, what of probe?

I have just received confirmation that Phil Hamilton did indeed resign effective midnight last night, as reported by Bearing Drift.  The question now is what happens to the ethics probe. Some are saying that as a part of the deal, the probe will cease. I don't know that such action is appropriate. Chapter 13 of … Continue reading Hamilton resigns, what of probe? →

Monday this and that: open thread

Seems both the Democrats and the Republicans kept their House leadership intact, with the exception of the addition of David Englin as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus. Funniest thing: Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell spoke at the meeting of the Democrats but not the Republicans. ~ The Norfolk Council races are starting to shape up. Six … Continue reading Monday this and that: open thread →

Register for Blogs United

It's that time again. Bloggers from all over the Commonwealth will be coming together on Saturday, November 21, for Blogs United, a day of fun, food, and, of course, a little politics 🙂 The event this year is being held at the David Student Union on the campus of  Christopher Newport University from 9am to … Continue reading Register for Blogs United →

First thoughts on VB special election

For months now, Republicans in Virginia Beach have been campaigning for the seat currently occupied by now Sheriff-elect Ken Stolle. Jeff McWaters jumped out early: he's been all over the place (I've run into him a number of times) and a drive through Virginia Beach prior to the November election would make anyone think he … Continue reading First thoughts on VB special election →

Mathieson statement on election

By now, you've probably heard that the votes in the 21st House of Delegates district have been counted and that Republican Ron Villanueva has been declared the winner by a scant 13 votes. I received the following statement from the campaign of Bobby Mathieson: Yesterday, more votes got counted in the 21st District House of … Continue reading Mathieson statement on election →