Holley “subdued”

That's what the headline from Sunday's Virginian-Pilot called the beleaguered Portsmouth mayor, James Holley III. The writer was being polite. A reading of the article gives a far different picture. At 83, he stays silent for long stretches at City Council work sessions, sitting back while other members hash out issues with staff. When he … Continue reading Holley “subdued” →

Father’s Day 2010

A phone call Monday about Father's Day led me down a path with unexpected results. I have always been interested in chronicling my family history and in years past, spent an inordinate amount of time doing genealogical research. I record my findings in a software program, Family Tree Maker. Over the past five years, I've … Continue reading Father’s Day 2010 →

Commemorate Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers notified the people of Texas that the Civil War had ended and slaves were free. According to this history, no one is really sure of why there was a delay; after all, the effective date of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was January 1, 1863, some 2 1/2 years earlier. … Continue reading Commemorate Juneteenth →

Friday fun: dominant or a doormat?

You Are a Delight You are easy to get along with and easy to be with, but you're definitely not a doormat. You'll cheerfully ask for what you want, and you're almost always ready to compromise. You are comfortable speaking your mind, and you're also willing to admit you may not be right. You know … Continue reading Friday fun: dominant or a doormat? →

Final Norfolk Council race numbers

The Virginia Public Access Project has posted the final numbers on the Norfolk Council races held in May. Over $1.1 million was spent in the five contested races, with Mayor Paul Fraim's spending accounting for about 46% of the total. With only 23% turnout (although it represents an increase over the 18.67% from four years … Continue reading Final Norfolk Council race numbers →

Texas congressman apologizes to BP

Rep. Joe Barton apologized to BP today. Backlash for this apology resulted in ... an apology for the apology. Finally, Barton retracted his apology to BP. I'm guessing Barton wished that he had remembered Mark Twain: “It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.” … Continue reading Texas congressman apologizes to BP →

Bad decision

It is no secret that times are tight. The City of Norfolk is eliminating positions to deal with shortfalls. So I'm absolutely mystified as to how they could possibly conclude that it is OK to give $11,000 to the operators of Afr'Am Festival to help pay police officers who worked at the festival. There is … Continue reading Bad decision →

Norfolk Schools news

School board announces finalists for superintendent With the retirement of current superintendent, Stephen Jones, scheduled for June 30, the Norfolk School Board announced the three finalists for the position. The three men - Richard Bentley, Randy L. Bridges, and Robert L. Copeland - will be in town this Thursday, June 17, for a public forum. … Continue reading Norfolk Schools news →

RIP Janie Bowen

Janie Bowen, the Virginia Tax Commissioner, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning. I learned of her death in the afternoon, when Governor Bob McDonnell's statement on her death came via email. I met Bowen shortly after she was named Commissioner, as I was considering a gubernatorial appointment position with her agency. This was shortly after the … Continue reading RIP Janie Bowen →