Category: Politics

Calling it like it is

Friday's editorial in The Virginian Pilot focused on the recent call for a strong mayor form of government in Norfolk as well as the results of a recent survey. At the center of both is Councilman Randy Wright. No "survey" can undo any of that progress, especially one done by a single-issue advocacy group, Norfolk … Continue reading Calling it like it is →

NYT on McCain: followup

The New Republic has a fascinating story up about what went on at The New York Times in the months leading up to their story on Republican presidential hopeful John McCain. What happened? The publication of the article capped three months of intense internal deliberations at the Times over whether to publish the negative piece … Continue reading NYT on McCain: followup →

Debate open thread

Thank goodness for TiVo! I'm been buried in work and had planned to sit down and watch American Idol when it dawned on me that the debate on CNN was coming on at the same time. So I'm watching the debate and recording my favorite entertainment.

Budget update: money restored for commissioners’, treasurers’ offices

I understand that the funding for the commissioners of the revenue and treasurers' offices (amendment numbers 72 #4H (Commissioners) and 75 #4H (treasurers)) has been restored. Originally, these amendments would have removed $4 million in funding from these offices.

Hillary Live! Monday, February 25

Join Hillary Clinton at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium this Monday, February 25. The event starts at 6:30pm and the doors open at 5:45pm. Tickets start at $25. For more information and to RSVP, go here.

Norfolk Drinking Liberally tonight

Join the folks gathered upstairs at The New Belmont from 5pm to 7pm tonight for the Norfolk chapter of Drinking Liberally. As always, drinking is optional. And bring a friend. Hope you guys have fun! Some of us have to work 😦

Thursday update (02/21): Real estate tax relief

Weekly update of my legislative agenda issue. Only a few bills on real estate tax relief survived crossover. The Virginian Pilot this morning had a blurb about Ralph Northam's SB496, which would have laid out how the homestead exemption was to be implemented. So while we are likely to get to vote on the homestead … Continue reading Thursday update (02/21): Real estate tax relief →

ALERT: Whipple’s SB51

When I see bills like SB51, I am reminded once again why I so dislike the Dillon Rule. In this case, we have self-insured localities who want to be able to extend health insurance benefits to whomever the locality and the policyholder agree. Instead of simply being able to do so - after all, there … Continue reading ALERT: Whipple’s SB51 →