Dominion gets to keep 40% of ill-gotten gains

Dominion overcharged us in 2009 - 2010 and will refund Virginians $78.3 million. But that's not all of the money that they overcharged us: The refund amounts to 60 percent of Dominion's overearnings - all the company is required by law to repay. Are you kidding me? Where is the incentive for Dominion to bill … Continue reading Dominion gets to keep 40% of ill-gotten gains →

Friday fun: what state should you live in?

Thinking about Cuccinelli being elected governor ... You Should Live in Louisiana If you don't want to live in Louisiana, you might also consider: Wisconsin Alabama California Kentucky Maine Hmm, hadn't thought about Louisiana. Fortunately, I don't have to make that decision just yet. What state should you live in?

We’re #2 – again

For the second straight year, Virginia was ranked #2 in the nation in Forbes' best state for business competition. This comes after a 4 year run in first place. From the article: Virginia has been a major beneficiary of the federal government’s largesse in terms of military spending and infrastructure development in northern Virginia. Those … Continue reading We’re #2 – again →

Cooch for guv?

It seems AG Ken Cuccinelli plans to run for governor in 2013, setting up a battle with LG Bill Bolling. Maybe he sees what I saw last year: an Obama win in 2012, which almost certainly sets up a Republican to win the governor's mansion in 2013. I just wasn't expecting it to be this … Continue reading Cooch for guv? →

Governor’s government reforms

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced yesterday a series of reforms to the way Virginia does business, with an eye towards saving some money. The proposal are a part of the work of the Governor's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring, whose most recent report to the governor (pdf) was issued November 21. A couple of the … Continue reading Governor’s government reforms →

Social Security especially important in rural areas

The Daily Yonder, a great place for facts and information, had an article recently about the increased dependence on Social Security payments by those in rural areas of the country. The article argues that a higher percentage of residents receive benefits, and that the average payment is also higher than the national averages or the … Continue reading Social Security especially important in rural areas →

No elected school board?

Gotta love it when the argument against an elected school board boils down to "we can't pick a decent council" so let them pick the school board for us. Seriously - there are many arguments against an elected school board, chief among them the lack of taxing authority. But I'm insulted by this: In Norfolk, … Continue reading No elected school board? →

Way to go ODU!

The first game in NCAA history to pit two teams from the same city against each other occurred in Norfolk Saturday. Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University met at Foreman Field on the campus of ODU. The game was sold out, with 19,818 fans of both teams there to cheer them on. The rest … Continue reading Way to go ODU! →

Friday fun: at least for me :)

So the big game pitting ODU versus NSU is coming up Saturday and it is, of course, sold out. The game will be broadcast on espn3, which means internet streaming to watch. I'm not a fan of sitting in front of my computer. So I started thinking about how to get the game to my … Continue reading Friday fun: at least for me ðŸ™‚ →

On Norfolk’s superintendent mess

My latest op-ed appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. Like so many things these days, no one seems to be taking the long-term view of what needs to be done to solve the problems in the school system. I was flabbergasted to read that the chair of the board is seeking short-term fixes when anyone who has … Continue reading On Norfolk’s superintendent mess →