You want better government? Show up

I didn't write the headline for my op-ed that appeared in Monday's Virginian-Pilot but it was dead on.  Those who follow my blog already know that I firmly believe that all politics is local - and that we have a much better shot of affecting local politicians than we do any other. I've received calls, … Continue reading You want better government? Show up →

Some days …

... I just hate to open the newspaper. Because I hate to see Norfolk in the headlines again, for something else that has been done wrong. This time, it's the Treasurer's office. The problem: delinquent real estate tax collections. The city has a huge backlog of seriously delinquent properties, due to lax collection practices and … Continue reading Some days … →

The 8 habits of highly effective bloggers

Annabel Candy has an interesting article about eight habits that highly effective bloggers need to develop. Prolific.  Personally, I prefer quantity over quality. But if it is hits you're after, writing a bunch of posts makes sense. Concise. Well, if you're going to be prolific, you have to be concise. Analytical. I find it hard … Continue reading The 8 habits of highly effective bloggers →

Finalists for Norfolk council appointment

I have confirmed via various sources that three people will be interviewed Thursday for the council vacancy in Superward 7. Those three are Brenda Andrews, Alveta Green and Jimmie Wilson. Andrews is the publisher of The New Journal & Guide, Virginia's oldest black weekly newspaper. She ran for the seat several years ago. Green is … Continue reading Finalists for Norfolk council appointment →

Special election in Norfolk’s Superward 7 set

Judge Charles Poston entered an order this morning (see below) setting the date for the special election to fill the Superward 7 seat vacated by Daun Hester. The election has been set for November 2, the same day as the fall general election. As mentioned in this article, Del. Kenny Alexander and Councilman Paul Riddick … Continue reading Special election in Norfolk’s Superward 7 set →

ICYMI: So… that happened

Taegan Goddard is one of of those political writers that I've been following for years. His was one of the first RSS feeds that I put into my first feedreader. A post of his prompted a segment on the Rachel Maddow show. I'll admit it: I'm one of those who has been disappointed in health … Continue reading ICYMI: So… that happened →

Male chauvinism on display

I couldn't believe this letter to the editor in today's Virginian Pilot. The writer, Eugene Walker, is a local high school teacher and blames females for the behavior of males: Many of our young women carry themselves, speak, dress and behave in the presence of males in a way that would lead many honorable people … Continue reading Male chauvinism on display →

Friday fun: how open-minded are you?

You Are 64% Open Minded You are a very open minded person, but you're also well grounded. Tolerant and flexible, you appreciate most lifestyles and viewpoints. But you also know where you stand firm, and you can draw that line. You're open to considering every possibility - but in the end, you stand true to … Continue reading Friday fun: how open-minded are you? →

Special prosecutor report on McDonald/Moss spat

Last October, a spat between Norfolk's Commissioner of the Revenue, Sharon McDonald, and Treasurer, Tom Moss, resulted in a letter being issued by the Commissioner in which she accused the Treasurer and his deputy, Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot, of revealing confidential taxpayer information to a reporter in violation of  Virginia Code § 58.1-3. The letter … Continue reading Special prosecutor report on McDonald/Moss spat →