In an article in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Tyler Whitley wrote: McDonnell hinted that his appointee as secretary of commerce and trade, Robert C. Sledd of Richmond, might quit two corporate boards because of criticism that the dual roles might constitute a conflict of interest. While he said he expects the legislature to confirm Sledd, … Continue reading McDonnell softens stance on Sledd
Category: Virginia
What’s on my (and your) mind Wednesday: open thread
Lots of stuff going on out there. Looks like the Dems won't have 60 in the Senate after 2010 elections. Not that 60 got us anything, but Tuesday brought the news that Sen. Byron Dorgan (ND) and Sen. Chris Dodd (CT) will retire. Dems will likely retain Dodd's seat but Dorgan's will probably go to … Continue reading What’s on my (and your) mind Wednesday: open thread
Happy New Year and 2009 Top Ten
Happy New Year to everyone! I hope that 2010 brings you all that you wish for. A quick look back at the top ten posts on my blog for 2009: Norfolk City Attorney tries to swat a gnat - and it swats back EXCLUSIVE: Rich Savage exits LG race Robin Abbott, candidate in the 93rd … Continue reading Happy New Year and 2009 Top Ten
McDonnell pick for Commerce wants to stay on corporate boards
A nominee of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell has offered to reduce his salary if he is allowed to remain on the boards of several corporations. As secretary of commerce and trade, Robert Sledd would oversee 13 state agencies and help the governor carry out business-related policies. Sledd is on the board of directors of three companies … Continue reading McDonnell pick for Commerce wants to stay on corporate boards
McDonnell: change budget cycle
I just received an email from Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell in which he discusses the need to change the budget development cycle to odd-numbered years. The Governor made his proposal with only 28 days left in his single four-year term, carrying out his obligation as determined by our current budgetary calendar. Unfortunately, the current budget development … Continue reading McDonnell: change budget cycle
What to do with Dominion’s $524M overcharges
Dominion Power overcharged its customer $524 million, according to this article. The commission staff found that Dominion had earned much more than it needed in order to make a reasonable profit in 2008. They determined that the company's return on average equity, a measure of profitability, was 19.12 percent last year. Dominion should be earning … Continue reading What to do with Dominion’s $524M overcharges
Kaine’s budget proposal link
Given the weather around the Commonwealth (although not here in Hampton Roads), perhaps you'd like to spend some time perusing the budget Governor Tim Kaine put forth yesterday. The details can be found here. Or you can use this break from politics to do something else - like take a nap 😉
Governor’s budget: no car tax
I just watched the last of Governor Kaine's budget presentation to the money committees. One of his proposals is to eliminate the car tax reimbursement that the state pays to the localities and which costs the state approximately $950 million. Saying that the car tax is inherently a local tax, the governor said he believes … Continue reading Governor’s budget: no car tax
9500 Liberty: a quick review
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does. — Margaret Mead I attending the screening of 9500 Liberty Tuesday night and as I watched the film, the above quote kept running through my head. The story was one with which I … Continue reading 9500 Liberty: a quick review
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: it’s gonna cost us
An article in Monday's newspaper about the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) struck me, at the time, as a case of missing the forest for the trees. The act, passed on Veterans Day, will extend residential benefits to spouses of military personnel, allowing them to retain residency in their home state for tax and … Continue reading Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: it’s gonna cost us
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 