Norfolk held a hearing tonight on the proposed 2-cent increase in the real estate tax rate for school construction. Hearing from the parents of children in our schools, most notably Larchmont and Ocean View Elementary Schools, was just heart-wrenching. How our schools ended up in such disrepair is beyond me. None of the speakers were … Continue reading But it’s for the children!
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot last Friday. Of all 43 speakers at last Wednesday's public hearing on the budget, it was the comments of longtime civic activist, Alton Robinson, that resonated the most. Either council is unaware - or doesn't care - that the optics of putting $89 million into the … Continue reading ICYMI: Leaders in reverse
Cumberland County 5th District Supervisor Parker Wheeler is being sued by his 5th District constituents over a delinquent tax bill that came to light earlier this year. A retired judge from the 14th Circuit Court has been appointed after the judge from the 10th Circuit Court recused himself and the rest of the judges on … Continue reading Cumberland Supervisor sued by constituents over back taxes, Judge recuses self
(Some of the following information comes from a newspaper report in the Farmville Herald.) During remarks to the Farmville Chamber of Commerce recently, candidate for Governor Ken Cuccinelli claimed to have some influence in "cutting red tape" for the immigrant detention center/prison built in Farmville a few years ago. "He went to the head of … Continue reading Cuccinelli brags about “cutting red tape” for Farmville immigrant prison
You know it's silly season when the gubernatorial candidates for governor are talking about their personal taxes. What relevance, exactly, do personal income tax returns have to the ability to serve as governor? Absolutely none. But if you have nothing to say, I guess it makes for an easy diversion. And that's exactly what we … Continue reading VA Guv candidates’ taxes
The public hearing on the Norfolk budget will be at 6pm tonight at Granby High School. Be there!
My latest op-ed, title above, appeared in The Virginian-Pilot last Thursday. Norfolk released its budget last Tuesday and the single public hearing on it is coming up this Wednesday evening at 6pm at Granby High School. A separate public hearing will be held on May 1 - same time, same location - to discuss the … Continue reading ICYMI: Norfolk’s 630-page rush
What a horrible week! There are no words to express what the people of the Boston area have experienced this week. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
Kaiser Health Foundation wrote recently that two of the largest providers of health insurance to federal employees, retirees and dependents are in a battle to scoop as many people up as they can in an effort to increase profit, I am sure. Also, Obamacare is changing the way things are done, and insurers are ready … Continue reading Battle over getting a slice of Federal employees health care dollars heats up
City manager Marcus Jones presented his FY 2012 budget to council Tuesday afternoon. The presentation is below. A better copy of the slides used in the presentation can be found here. And the budget itself is here. Council will hold a public hearing on the budget on April 24. Separately, council will hold a public … Continue reading Norfolk: it’s budget time
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 