A second Midtown tunnel means tolls are returning to Hampton Roads. And not just the 25-cent variety. As announced by Gov. Bob McDonnell yesterday, a public-private partnership to build the second Midtown tunnel, rehab the Downtown tunnel and extend the Martin Luther King Freeway (whoops! - guess that's the wrong name for the road) means … Continue reading Tolls, tolls and more tolls
Dominion overcharged us in 2009 - 2010 and will refund Virginians $78.3 million. But that's not all of the money that they overcharged us: The refund amounts to 60 percent of Dominion's overearnings - all the company is required by law to repay. Are you kidding me? Where is the incentive for Dominion to bill … Continue reading Dominion gets to keep 40% of ill-gotten gains
For the second straight year, Virginia was ranked #2 in the nation in Forbes' best state for business competition. This comes after a 4 year run in first place. From the article: Virginia has been a major beneficiary of the federal government’s largesse in terms of military spending and infrastructure development in northern Virginia. Those … Continue reading We’re #2 – again
It seems AG Ken Cuccinelli plans to run for governor in 2013, setting up a battle with LG Bill Bolling. Maybe he sees what I saw last year: an Obama win in 2012, which almost certainly sets up a Republican to win the governor's mansion in 2013. I just wasn't expecting it to be this … Continue reading Cooch for guv?
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced yesterday a series of reforms to the way Virginia does business, with an eye towards saving some money. The proposal are a part of the work of the Governor's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring, whose most recent report to the governor (pdf) was issued November 21. A couple of the … Continue reading Governor’s government reforms
One of the things I love the most about this area are the various museums and foundations that have special events and speakers. Often they sponsor well know authors in for lectures and book signings. There are numerous variations in our area giving us the opportunity to learn about military, science, history , animals and … Continue reading A Thanksgiving Thought : Thankful for Museums
In a press release today, the League of Women Voters of Virginia takes exception to reports that Congressional redistricting may be delayed and that General Assembly redistricting may be reconsidered. From LWV-VA president Lynn Gordon: It would be nice if politicians would put voters first for a change, by giving them the chance to choose … Continue reading LWV-VA: Don’t play partisan politics with our right to vote
Virginia Senate Republicans are considering revisiting redistricting come January. In a story by Steve Vaughan* in The Virginia Gazette, Senator Tommy Norment expresses the desire to change the lines drawn by the legislature and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. In particular, Norment wants Williamsburg back in his district. As if there's not enough … Continue reading Redistricting do-over? Senate Dems to sue
House Democrats named Del. David Toscano as Minority Leader and Del. Mark Sickles as Caucus chair, although from what I'm hearing, it wasn't a smooth process. The full press release, including the other members of leadership selected, is below the fold. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 19, 2011 House Democratic Caucus Selects New Leadership Today, the … Continue reading House Dem Caucus selects leadership
Localities in our area are trying to make interaction with city government easier for citizens. Williamsburg this week released an app where citizens can request city services through their smart phone. Trash can is missing? Just request a new one using the app. No more long waits on the phone. With the capabilities of technology … Continue reading When technology is used to disenfranchise some citizens
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 