Want to go to Denver? Important dates

The process of determining who the delegates from Virginia will be to the Democratic National Convention is underway. Locally, the 2nd district convention will be held May 17. The 3rd district convention will be May 10 in Newport News. The DPVA has released this guide (doc) to explain the delegate selection process and help guide … Continue reading Want to go to Denver? Important dates →

Media bias

Sunday's Virginian Pilot had an article by relatively new public editor Joyce Hoffman regarding the news coverage by the Pilot of Barack Obama. In it, she says that the paper has been biased in favor of the junior Senator from Illinois. ...on the national scene the press in general has made Obama a media darling. … Continue reading Media bias →

Payroll tax in lieu of real estate tax?

From a letter to the editor in Monday morning's Virginian Pilot: There is a solution to eliminating the rising property tax. Initiate a payroll tax (it worked for several cities in Michigan) 1 percent if you live and work in Virginia Beach and 0.5 percent if you live here but work in another city. Ah, … Continue reading Payroll tax in lieu of real estate tax? →

Senate kills homestead exemption

The only bills left to provide tax relief for homeowners was killed today by the Senate. In a 21-19 vote, Senate Republicans, joined by Democrats Chuck Colgan and Phil Puckett, sent HJ4 and HB11 back to the Senate P&E committee. From the Senate Democratic Caucus press release: House Joint Resolution 4 passed the House by … Continue reading Senate kills homestead exemption →

Netroots Nation

YearlyKos has been renamed Netroots Nation and registration for its third annual convention is underway. The convention will be held July 17-20 in Austin TX. For a limited time, registration is only $375. Later the fee will rise to $450. The conference includes: Panels led by national and international experts, including a virtual panel held … Continue reading Netroots Nation →

Economic stimulus plan refunds

My phone is ringing off the hook regarding the tax rebate checks that are going to be issued later this year as a part of the economic stimulus package. The IRS has a page summarizing the payments here and the FAQ is here. One thing that requires emphasis: people who may not have had to … Continue reading Economic stimulus plan refunds →

Judicial selection

Much discussion was had last year about the selection of judges in Virginia, particularly surrounding the selection in Norfolk. This year, the conversation has been a little under the radar but continues nonetheless. Judges are selected by the General Assembly and as this article points out, the process is far from being non-political. Sunday's Parade … Continue reading Judicial selection →

The Pulpit Speaks: February 13, 1960

An article written by my father, the Rev. C. Thomas Paige, as it appeared in the Tri-State Defender on the date shown. "And he said unto them, 'I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord!'" -- Jonah 1:9 The above are the words contained in an answer to a question directed to Jonah by … Continue reading The Pulpit Speaks: February 13, 1960 →

Nader in

(Because somebody called me this morning and woke me up at the ungodly hour of 8:30am on the first day I've had to sleep late in three weeks) I watched Meet the Press this morning and heard Ralph Nader announce that he is running for president. Nader, who will celebrate his 74th birthday next week, … Continue reading Nader in →

OTR 02/24: Payday lending, EVMS

This Sunday's On the Record will feature representatives both for and against the proposed legislation on payday lending. Joining host Joel Rubin will be Jamie Fulmer from payday lender Advance America and Ward Scull of Virginians Against Payday Loans. In the other segment, the topic will be the issue of construction funding at EVMS, as … Continue reading OTR 02/24: Payday lending, EVMS →