Category: Politics

Beach proposes real estate tax cut; Norfolk not yet

The Virginian Pilot is reporting that the Virginia Beach city manager Jim Spore is proposing a six-cent cut in the real estate tax rate, from 99 cents to 93 cents per $100 of assessed value. Also discussed was an interesting proposal: ...council members threw their support behind a measure by Councilman Bob Dyer to create … Continue reading Beach proposes real estate tax cut; Norfolk not yet →

Missed opportunity

Congresswoman Thelma Drake held another of her virtual Town Hall meetings this evening. I just found out about it - when I checked my answering machine. The call came in while we were on another call. (No, we don't have call waiting. Besides, I prefer answer call over call waiting anyday.) I'm sorry I missed … Continue reading Missed opportunity →

McEachin announces

Donald McEachin officially announced his candidacy for the 9th Senate district. The press release: Delegate McEachin Announces his Candidacy for Democratic Nomination for State Senate -Cites his Longstanding Advocacy for Democratic Values and His Opponent's Active Support for George Allen Richmond- Delegate A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) today announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for … Continue reading McEachin announces →

Do not pass go, do not collect $329,000

Last week, we learned that Baci Management - the promoter of the Broadway at the Chrysler series - owed the City of Norfolk $329,000 for admissions taxes and loans. Guess who won't be collecting that money? Well, that would be.... Norfolk taxpayers. Seems that Baci filed for bankruptcy on March 19, a day before the … Continue reading Do not pass go, do not collect $329,000 →

Slow news day… NOT!

Busy Monday! First up, Governor Tim Kaine. As expected, the Governor amended the transportation bill. Details of the amendments, including the financial impact, can be found here. I'm not happy with the transportation bill and as others have said, Kaine's amendments are like putting lipstick on a pig. The Governor also vetoed five bills which … Continue reading Slow news day… NOT! →

Everybody loves the gas tax but it’s not an option

The editorial in yesterday's Virginian Pilot just made me chuckle. Our transportation needs could be paid for with a gas tax, but it would be political suicide, right? People hate it, and nobody will support it, we were told. It was political death. Virginia's third rail. Run for your lives. That was always nonsense. Just … Continue reading Everybody loves the gas tax but it’s not an option →

BTR Fun coming Sunday night

I just know the proprietors of 7 West are going to be a hoot! Delegates Kris Amundson and Bob Brink join Jim Hoeft and me tomorrow night tonight at 7pm on BlogTalkRadio. According to Delegate Brink, they promise to dress for the occasion. I can't speak for Jim but I'll certainly be appropriately dressed. Appropriate … Continue reading BTR Fun coming Sunday night →

And we’re off!

The race in the 87th House District is officially on with Sunday's kickoff by Republican challenger Hank Giffin. Expected attendees include Congresswoman Thelma Drake and Senator Nick Rerras, along with some of the Republican delegates from Virginia Beach. The 87th, which happens to be where I live, is currently represented by Democrat Paula Miller. Miller … Continue reading And we’re off! →

Congrats, Tommy!

Via the Virginian Pilot: A Norview High School graduate who returned to his alma mater to teach, coach and advise students in extracurricular activities was named the school division’s Teacher of the Year on Thursday night. Tommy Smigiel is the one the paper is talking about. In addition to teaching, Tommy is actively involved in … Continue reading Congrats, Tommy! →