Category: Virginia

Ds are bad, Rs are worse but vote for them anyway

I should have put this in the Friday Fun category. Except it is just too sad to be funny. In a poll released earlier this week (toplines pdf), 60% disapprove of the way Democrats in Congress are handling their jobs. But 68% disapprove of the way that Republicans in Congress are handling their jobs.  So … Continue reading Ds are bad, Rs are worse but vote for them anyway →

Redistricting hearing in Norfolk

The redistricting subcommittee of the House of Delegates Committee on Privileges and Elections held a public hearing in Norfolk last night. Nearly 80 people showed up for the hearing, more than double, I'm told, that of the earlier hearing in Roanoke. Members of the committee in attendance were Delegates Chris Jones (chair), Jackson Miller, Rosalyn … Continue reading Redistricting hearing in Norfolk →

Antiquated rule discourages regional ventures

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. As you might expect, I'm once again banging on the Dillon Rule. But I'm not alone in doing so. An article in the Richmond Times Dispatch drew my attention to the fact that the Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Governor's Commission on Government Reform & Restructuring … Continue reading Antiquated rule discourages regional ventures →

Reminder: Redistricting hearing Wednesday night

Just a quick reminder that the redistricting subcommittee of the House of Delegates Committee on Privileges and Elections will be holding a public hearing in Norfolk Wednesday evening, September 22 at the Roper Performing Arts Center, Tidewater Community College in Norfolk. The hearing starts at 7pm.

DADT repeal blocked

The dysfunctional Senate voted 56-43, thus failing to advance legislation that would have repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." That it takes 60 votes to get anything done in this age of the Republican filibuster is why I consider the Senate dysfunctional. In 2006, Democrats theoretically gained control of the Senate, with 51 of them. Outside … Continue reading DADT repeal blocked →

Happy Virginia CPAs week!

Bet you didn't know that Governor Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation (pdf) declaring September 19-25 as "Virginia Certified Pulic Accountants Week."  So go ahead - recognize me and all of the other more than 9,000 members of the Virginia Society of CPAs 😉 One thing that is planned for this week is a Day of … Continue reading Happy Virginia CPAs week! →

Bring Virginia’s constitution into the 21st century

My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. The frequent changes to the constitution of Virginia - including the three amendments on the ballot this November - got me to thinking.  Perhaps it is time for a constitutional convention. The last time the constitution was revised was 1971. Rather that a slew of amendments, … Continue reading Bring Virginia’s constitution into the 21st century →

House Democratic Caucus leadership on ABC

Delegate Joe Morrissey (D-74th), the Minority Floor Whip, will be holding a fundraiser Thursday evening at the Boat House Restaurant at Rockett's Landing. During his remarks to those assembled, he will speak about Governor Bob McDonnell's plan to privatize ABC. This will mark the first time that the House Democratic Caucus leadership has spoken on … Continue reading House Democratic Caucus leadership on ABC →

Warner as chief of staff?

Yesterday's announcement that Chicago Mayor Richard Daley will not run for re-election has created a buzz in political circles as speculation on whether White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel will pursue his ambition to run for that seat.  Already, pundits are discussing who might replace Emanuel and an interesting name popped up: A wild … Continue reading Warner as chief of staff? →