So said Chesapeake assistant public defender Matthew Taylor, as quoted in an article today. It seems Virginia, unlike other states, doesn't share with defense attorneys certain information, including police reports. Perhaps they need to do an episode of Law & Order using Virginia's discovery rules. But that may be changing. Over the objections of prosecutors, … Continue reading “Virginia is a trial-by-ambush state”
Ralph Northam, Democratic candidate for LG, is airing his first ad of the campaign season beginning today. The ad is below. Northam, who was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 2007, received the endorsement of The Washington Post earlier this month. The primary election is June 11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcMyaFcKTm0&feature=youtu.be
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-PIlot Thursday. I really tried not to write about the Republican candidate for LG, but when I opened my paper Wednesday morning and saw this political cartoon, I knew I had to. The national press has had a field day with Virginia since last weekend's RPV convention. … Continue reading ICYMI: A candidate soaked in vinegar
Folks outside of Hampton Roads may not be aware of the ongoing battle over tolls in our region. But everyone needs to pay a little attention, because if the ruling against the public-private partnership holds, all Virginians are going to be on the hook to reimburse the private part of that deal. The story so … Continue reading Latest on Portsmouth tolls
Count me among those surprised that the Republicans nominated E. W. Jackson for lieutenant governor at their convention last weekend. Based on the last few weeks, I'd have bet money that Pete Snyder, who finished second, was going to pull it off. While I favor primaries, I also recognize that it is a different contest. … Continue reading On the Virginia LG contest
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot last Thursday. One of the things that always got me when I worked for the IRS (1980 - 1985) was that any scandal caused every single employee to be painted with a broad brush, even if those employees had nothing to do with it. That hasn't … Continue reading ICYMI: A big breakdown at the IRS
I don't know the details but I was saddened to learn of the death of Rich Savage yesterday. I met Rich back on January 2009 when he entered the race for LG. We've stayed in touch since, although I haven't spoken to him in a while. Savage's campaign for LG was short-lived but he made … Continue reading RIP Rich Savage
As a former employee - I spent six years there in the early 1980s - I hate to see the IRS in a bad light. The organization takes more hits than it deserves, but this time, the hit is well deserved. No way the IRS should be targeting a specific group of entities. Others have … Continue reading The IRS mess
Another public hearing is scheduled for tonight (6pm, Granby HS) for Norfolk residents. This hearing will cover the additional two-cent increase in the real estate tax rate. Combined, Norfolk's rate will rise by four cents, to $1.15 per $100 of assessed value. I plan to attend, if for no other reason than to hear what … Continue reading Norfolk public hearing tonight
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. In hindsight, I think it was appropriate in light of yesterday's firehouse primary in the 14th Senate, won by Del. John Cosgrove. According to VPAP, there are 124,202 registered voters in the 14th. Using the results from 2012, I'd venture to say that roughly 60% … Continue reading ICYMI: Showing up at decision time
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 