Portsmouth civic league playing favorites?

There is a special election in Portsmouth in November for mayor. Eight people have filed, and are making the rounds to introduce themselves to the voters. I get a lot of emails and phone calls from candidates and campaigns in the region. One email I received recently disturbed me. Apparently, one of the mayoral candidates … Continue reading Portsmouth civic league playing favorites? →

Rules, but no laws, broken Commish credit card use

According to The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald "did not break any laws" in her use of a city credit card but she did not follow the rules regarding the use of credit cards. The audit looked at credit card transactions beginning in July 2005. Of the more than $80,000 in purchases, … Continue reading Rules, but no laws, broken Commish credit card use →

Cuccinelli UVA subpoena quashed

First reported in the Daily Progress,  Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's subpoena of records from UVA regarding climate change researcher Michael Mann's records has been quashed. Other reports from the Virginian-Pilot, Roanoke Times and the Washington Post offer different points on the effect of the ruling, which can be viewed below.

Transportation op-eds from Deeds, Light

The Virginian-Pilot this morning printed two op-eds about transportation. The first, from Senator Creigh Deeds, takes Governor Bob McDonnell to task for not fulfilling his campaign promise to tackle transportation. Deeds writes: The one-term feature of the governorship means a governor’s political capital is greatest the first year. McDonnell understands that, and it is why … Continue reading Transportation op-eds from Deeds, Light →

2nd CD race to the bottom

I'm convinced that the Republican and Democratic candidates in the 2nd Congressional District are competing to see which of them can alienate the most people. First we have Democratic incumbent Glenn Nye releasing a campaign ad in which he purports to be an "independent voice," brags that he has voted against health care reform and … Continue reading 2nd CD race to the bottom →

Friday fun: what feels like home to you?

Extravagance Feels Like Home to You You love to pamper yourself, and why should that stop at home? You have the finest furniture and home decor that your money can buy. You know that you'll be spending a lot of time at home, so you try to make it as wonderful as possible. Your home … Continue reading Friday fun: what feels like home to you? →

Norfolk OMG

I tell you: it's rough living in Norfolk these days. Seems like every day, there is some new revelation about somebody doing something wrong.  Just this week: Sunday - we learned that a Norfolk city official used a city credit card to buy a $250 phone for a gang banger.  The guy used the phone … Continue reading Norfolk OMG →

In a Virginia prison, a fight for equality

90 years ago today, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. My column in yesterday's paper covered a bit of Virginia's role in the struggle. Today, I head to Ft. Story to give a speech for Women's Equality Day, which is what 8/26 has become known.  I will … Continue reading In a Virginia prison, a fight for equality →

Mark your calendars: redistricting public meetings

The redistricting subcommittee of the House of Delegates Committee on Privileges and Elections has announced  six public hearings to be held this fall. The hearings are: September 8th, 7pm - Natural Science Center, VA Western Community College (Roanoke) September 22nd, 7pm - Roper Performing Arts Center, Tidewater Community College (Norfolk) October 5th, 7pm - Mason … Continue reading Mark your calendars: redistricting public meetings →