On the HPV vaccination

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine expressed concern Tuesday about legislation that would require young girls to be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus. (via) After initially supporting this legislation (SB1230 and HB2035), I'm beginning to have second thoughts. My change of heart is based around a couple of things. First, like Gov. Kaine, I understand … Continue reading On the HPV vaccination

Oceana-related lawsuits dropped

According to the Virginian-Pilot, lawsuits filed by the City of Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding Oceana were dropped today. The article reports that the suits were "never served" on the federal government. They were meant to ensure that Virginia Beach and the state had a legal argument if the jets moved to … Continue reading Oceana-related lawsuits dropped

Northam for Senate

Ralph Northam will be announcing his candidacy in a series of four press conferences next Tuesday, March 6. Northam, a Democrat, will be challenging Nick Rerras for Senate seat in the 6th district. The press conferences will be held in Accomac, Northampton County, Norfolk and Matthews. In addition to his candidacy, Northam will be announcing … Continue reading Northam for Senate

Norfolk Town Hall Meetings

As a participant in one of the six town hall meetings hosted by Mayor Paul Fraim and held across the city last fall, I received a copy of the summary via mail last week. Entitled "A Report to the Community," this glossy 15-page booklet compiled the information discussed by the 718 participants. The questions were … Continue reading Norfolk Town Hall Meetings

On Drake

A few things have happened in the past week or so regarding my Congressional representative, Thelma Drake, that require mention. First there was the incident at her Virginia Beach office. I don't have a clue as to whether the decision to pretend that the office was closed was hers or that of her staff but … Continue reading On Drake

HB 3202 Conference report

I have the report. Total funding in package is approximately $1.5 billion a year, from the following: Statewide revenue stream $760.9 million in the first year: General fund - $500 million 1/3 insurance premiums - $109.8 million Increase DMV registration fees by $10 -$62.4 million Collect fees from abusive drivers - $57.5 mil Heavy truch … Continue reading HB 3202 Conference report

On live blogs

There has been some talk in the blogsphere of live blogging by elected officials. The comparisons to podcasts, videocasts and radio have been raised. The question is: do live blogs serve a purpose? I believe the answer is a resounding yes. Live blogs are not perfect, but then neither are any of the mediums. Live … Continue reading On live blogs

ODU’s Koch at VBTA

Received this notice via email regarding the Virginia Beach Taxpayer Alliance meeting this coming Saturday, February 24: Dr. James Koch will provide an economic overview of our region and what can be expected in the near and long-term as pressures continue to leave an imprint in our ability to expand and adjust to market forces. … Continue reading ODU’s Koch at VBTA

AG doing live blog @ MC

Continuing his foray into the blogsphere, Attorney General Bob McDonnell will be live-blogging tomorrow night over at Mason Conservative from 6-7pm 5:30-6:30 pm. Head on over and leave your questions for the AG.

Elect Roemmelt

One of the folks I had a chance to chat with at the JJ Dinner was Bruce Roemmelt. Reading thru the Lefty Blogs feed, I ran across this post, which jogged my memory a bit. I almost never wear anybody's stickers or buttons. But Bruce is a special case. Not only did I ask for … Continue reading Elect Roemmelt