Quick links 07/18/11

A few links from around the 'net: Norfolk's secrecy doesn't help schools.I think this is the first time that the editorial board in Norfolk has come out in favor of elected school boards. Good for them! Speaking of schools, how about that cheating scandal in Georgia? RIP, Jim Kincaid. A true professional, the likes of … Continue reading Quick links 07/18/11

7/15/11 Financial reports – local races

Yesterday was the filing deadline for campaign finance disclosure reports for candidates on the ballot in November. The data below covers the period April 1 to June 30 and was taken from the Virginia Public Access Project, better known as VPAP. As of this writing, the information on VPAP is just the raw data from … Continue reading 7/15/11 Financial reports – local races

Another view: silly rules

Guest post by Carole Garrison Sometimes, rules that are put in effect for the good have unconsidered negative results.This came to mind when I heard swordfish boat captain Linda Greenlaw speak at the Mariners Museum. A question came up about the quota boat captains are allowed to bring into the fisheries. Captain Greenlaw said that … Continue reading Another view: silly rules

Scott to colleagues: oppose balanced budget amendment

Congressman Bobby Scott, who represents Virginian's 3rd Congressional district, and who is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter today to his colleagues, urging them to oppose H.J. Res. 1. The discussion about this proposed amendment to the Constitution has totally been about the title of the amendment and not about … Continue reading Scott to colleagues: oppose balanced budget amendment

ICYMI: The tug of war over school dollars

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. There has been quite a fight going on between the city council in Virginia Beach and its elected school board. The revenue-sharing arrangement, which can be found in the budget (pdf, p. 16), is a part of the discussion. The answer, in my mind, is to … Continue reading ICYMI: The tug of war over school dollars

Quick links 07/13/11

First of all, a very happy birthday to my sister, Sarah, who is resting at home after surgery. A few links from around the 'net: Virginia Beach appoints black council member, although not the one that some people wanted. But we have this thing called elections, and in this case, the election to fill the … Continue reading Quick links 07/13/11

6th Senate: bipartisan support for Northam

Ben Loyola won the Republican nomination in the 6th Senate District Saturday, defeating Dr. Joanne Lapetina. I "watched" the convention via Facebook and Twitter. From my view, it seemed that Lapetina was the better choice; Loyola seems intent to trying to paint Northam as a liberal. Ralph's my buddy, but he's no liberal. I guess … Continue reading 6th Senate: bipartisan support for Northam

Northam GOP challenger to be chosen Saturday

6th Senate District Republicans will choose their candidate to oppose freshman Senator Ralph Northam Saturday. Their choices are the man who moved into the district to run or the lady who just changed her voting registration to her residence. One thing is certain: whomever they pick will have an uphill battle. Northam is going to … Continue reading Northam GOP challenger to be chosen Saturday

Open more avenues of communication

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday. Social media is just one of the ways that our elected representatives can communicate with us. Mentioned in the column is Hampton Mayor Molly Ward, whose embrace of communication tools is unrivaled in Hampton Roads. One benefit of being a communicator is that it doesn't … Continue reading Open more avenues of communication

Quick links 07/06/11

A few interesting items from around the net: President Obama Twitter townhall at 2pm today. I don't know if Twitter can handle this. How many "Over Capacity" notices will folks get? Besides, while Twitter is great for quick info, I don't know how you fit policy answers into 140-characters. MSM cleans up story and doesn't … Continue reading Quick links 07/06/11