As some of you may know (but most probably don't), I've been hired by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). Given the conflicts of interest that would present as a blogger, I'm either going to take the blog to suspension or unveil Avenging Archangel 2.0. My conflicts as a HRT employee:
1. Obvious on mass transit writing.
2. Legally, HRT is a corporation held one-seventh by each member city. To blog on local politics would be talking about my employer.
3. HRT has a seat on the TPO.
My duties will begin with light rail launch in the morning, which is why I set this to autopost Thursday evening.
2.0 would be for me to fade into the background, chipping in a post where I can, while giving the front seat to my best friends in the African-American community leadership. I e-mailed them over the weekend, seeking at least two additional posters. (A single poster would always be compared and contrasted with me.) This established platform would continue to advocate for an inclusive Virginia Beach, having a given readership base to build on. I'm not holding my breath on it, as I made similar recruitment pitches in the wake of each of Andrew Jackson's campaigns for the Virginia Beach City Council.
I've been hired to be a Data Collector at HRT, doing manual passenger counts on The Tide. Under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations, manual counts are mandated during the first year of revenue service. (In addition, there are automated systems just inside the train doors.) Everyone at HRT is cognisant of the fact that there has been much speculation about how many will ride The Tide. Having completed my training, let me make it clear to everyone: given the methodology and redundancies in the system, it would be virtually impossible to fudge The Tide ridership numbers. The FTA will be watching, and - given the history of the project - will certainly check it anything appears off.
There have been talks between HRT executives and I over the past few months about me possibly joining the team. They began recruiting me once they learned that my previous place of employment was probably going to close. As HRT needed to add dependable additional staff for light rail launch, it was fairly obvious where to put me. In the interim, I put one project for this blog on ice: a political satire series. On the 13th of each month, I was going to chronicle the Really Evil Taxpayers Against Rational Decisions (RETARD). In fact, in my desk I have a scratch sheet with topics for nine installments of the RETARDs.
It's been a fun run. I had been considering blogging for months, but was finally pushed when no one covered a citizens meeting held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. My one failure was never attracting additional posters, as I never intended to do this all alone indefinitely. While the number of hits on this site has been relatively low, the point is who reads this blog. I've had a virtual who's who cite it back to me. It's been a niche blog, providing information and insights you can't find anywhere else on the Internet.
For we grassroots inclusionists, both status quoers and the extremist VBTA present serious problems. Those of the status quo are usually more subtle. However, I hope others continue to speak out loudly about what the VBTA's sinister agenda really means for Virginia Beach.
Finally, I'd be remiss not to invite you to come ride light rail on launch weekend - and to become repeat customers. Given that the lion's share of my initial duties will be onboard the trains themselves, part of my training had me out riding The Tide. It has the Wow Factor. The bulk of my fellow Data Collectors aren't mass transit advocates, but simply people looking for good work. However, when we rode as part of our training, they were pulling out their smartphones to take video and photos of the run. They were moved.
It may not be over for me, with either a limited role under 2.0 or coming back full bore here later. (Remember that my initial position with HRT sunsets after one year.) In the meantime, I hope I get interest from others to launch 2.0. Regardless, I plan to keep this blog up, allowing it to serve as an archive of past events. Nakemiin.
Showing posts with label Obama Administration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obama Administration. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
2011 Redistricting So Far
The Virginia Beach City Council is scheduled to approve a new seven district map for City Council and School Board on August 23. Given what happened at this past Tuesday night's Public Hearing before Council, it's likely to be a map we haven't even seen yet. At this time, I'd like to take a look at issues and events from the process so far.
The first of the meetings was at Green Run High School in June. At that time the City Attorney's Office strongly discouraged any plans other than seven district plans. While other proposals would be accepted, the City wanted to avoid anything that would require a City Charter change. So far we've seen nothing but seven district plans, which might be choking outside of the box thinking.
Another point is the failure to look at alternative voting systems. The debate has pivoted on two questions: how to draw the seven districts, and whether the seven district members should be elected solely within their districts. At the third meeting, I raised the possibility of cumulative voting. It would aid minority representation, while not triggering any of the publicly-stated arguments against a ward system.
Prior to the Chris Felton Plan being submitted on Monday, the source of every plan had been either the Council Liaisons or the NAACP. NAACP1 was the civil rights group's original submission, with NAACP2 drawn to meet objections raised by a quartet of Councilpersons. Those same Councilpersons then drafted another plan, which was sent to the NAACP in search of an endorsement. The "compromise of a compromise" was so watered down from the original intent that no blessing was forthcoming. It has never been officially filed, so it doesn't appear on the Redistricting website.
There is the issue of which should be the minority-majority district, Centerville or Rose Hall? While the Council Liaison plans have been based on Centerville, the NAACP plans are based on Rose Hall. The problem with Centerville is the unstable Asian-American concentrations in the southwest. The stunning difference I saw in first looking at the 2010 Census numbers was the change in the Asian-American concentration map from the 2000 Census. While you could draw Centerville as a minority-majority district today, it is highly questionable as to whether that status could be maintained in subsequent redistrictings. In sharp contrast, the minority numbers in Green Run are sustainable, so Rose Hall should become the minority-majority district in a seven district plan.
The root of many comments during the public meetings so far has been The Northwest Crescent, the Beach's densest minority concentration. It runs roughly from the northwest corner of the Virginia Beach Boulevard/Witchduck Road intersection to the Campus East and Burton Station areas. Along the way it takes in Lake Edward, with decent numbers in the periphery at Cypress Point. From a standpoint of minority representation, that concentration needs to be kept intact on one side of the Bayside - Kempsville line or the other. That forces a curved district line that inevitably will put a neighborhood into a district that a layman would think doesn't make sense. When you also consider the policy implications, it makes more sense to put the concentration in Kempsville District. That gives Vice Mayor Louis Jones the Central Business District. Therefore, you loop the line northward in the west, then dip it southward in the east. That puts parts of historic Kempsville into Bayside District, which has led to some civic league complaints. However, failure to get that line correct would be an obvious red flag when an approved plan is sent to the Justice Department for preclearance.
While I drew 2 of the 7 plans in 2001, I haven't taken a shot this time. The efforts of my good friends in the African-American community leadership were so far ahead that I didn't want to do anything that might undercut them. I've done backseat support for their efforts.
You knew I couldn't resist a chance to attack the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), didn't you? While the VBTA has always given lip service towards a ward system, the only VBTAer at any of the five public meetings has been previous Chairman John Moss. At the third meeting he endorsed the NAACP's position as an individual. Then, it's probably better for the cause that the village idiots don't invade the Council Chambers.
A largely status quo plan will almost certainly be adopted on August 23. The two baseline needs are keeping The Northwest Crescent intact and drawing Rose Hall District as a minority-majority district.
The first of the meetings was at Green Run High School in June. At that time the City Attorney's Office strongly discouraged any plans other than seven district plans. While other proposals would be accepted, the City wanted to avoid anything that would require a City Charter change. So far we've seen nothing but seven district plans, which might be choking outside of the box thinking.
Another point is the failure to look at alternative voting systems. The debate has pivoted on two questions: how to draw the seven districts, and whether the seven district members should be elected solely within their districts. At the third meeting, I raised the possibility of cumulative voting. It would aid minority representation, while not triggering any of the publicly-stated arguments against a ward system.
Prior to the Chris Felton Plan being submitted on Monday, the source of every plan had been either the Council Liaisons or the NAACP. NAACP1 was the civil rights group's original submission, with NAACP2 drawn to meet objections raised by a quartet of Councilpersons. Those same Councilpersons then drafted another plan, which was sent to the NAACP in search of an endorsement. The "compromise of a compromise" was so watered down from the original intent that no blessing was forthcoming. It has never been officially filed, so it doesn't appear on the Redistricting website.
There is the issue of which should be the minority-majority district, Centerville or Rose Hall? While the Council Liaison plans have been based on Centerville, the NAACP plans are based on Rose Hall. The problem with Centerville is the unstable Asian-American concentrations in the southwest. The stunning difference I saw in first looking at the 2010 Census numbers was the change in the Asian-American concentration map from the 2000 Census. While you could draw Centerville as a minority-majority district today, it is highly questionable as to whether that status could be maintained in subsequent redistrictings. In sharp contrast, the minority numbers in Green Run are sustainable, so Rose Hall should become the minority-majority district in a seven district plan.
The root of many comments during the public meetings so far has been The Northwest Crescent, the Beach's densest minority concentration. It runs roughly from the northwest corner of the Virginia Beach Boulevard/Witchduck Road intersection to the Campus East and Burton Station areas. Along the way it takes in Lake Edward, with decent numbers in the periphery at Cypress Point. From a standpoint of minority representation, that concentration needs to be kept intact on one side of the Bayside - Kempsville line or the other. That forces a curved district line that inevitably will put a neighborhood into a district that a layman would think doesn't make sense. When you also consider the policy implications, it makes more sense to put the concentration in Kempsville District. That gives Vice Mayor Louis Jones the Central Business District. Therefore, you loop the line northward in the west, then dip it southward in the east. That puts parts of historic Kempsville into Bayside District, which has led to some civic league complaints. However, failure to get that line correct would be an obvious red flag when an approved plan is sent to the Justice Department for preclearance.
While I drew 2 of the 7 plans in 2001, I haven't taken a shot this time. The efforts of my good friends in the African-American community leadership were so far ahead that I didn't want to do anything that might undercut them. I've done backseat support for their efforts.
You knew I couldn't resist a chance to attack the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), didn't you? While the VBTA has always given lip service towards a ward system, the only VBTAer at any of the five public meetings has been previous Chairman John Moss. At the third meeting he endorsed the NAACP's position as an individual. Then, it's probably better for the cause that the village idiots don't invade the Council Chambers.
A largely status quo plan will almost certainly be adopted on August 23. The two baseline needs are keeping The Northwest Crescent intact and drawing Rose Hall District as a minority-majority district.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Random Thoughts August 4, 2011
1. The City of Norfolk has a Department of Parks & Urban Forestry. Isn't "Urban Forestry" an oxymoron?
2. When will the agreement on an entertainment complex for the Dome site be completed? We've been on the cusp of closing the deal for months.
3. Who files at the 11th hour for this November's Virginia Beach City Council special election should be interesting. When perennial candidate John Moss first announced, I couldn't have imagined he'd be in a position to still be taken seriously at this point.
4. Meyera Oberndorf is being recruited by the Demonrats to run for the 7th Senate District seat this November. Anyone who has worked a General Assembly race before (and I've done a few) knows standing up a credible campaign just 90 days out from Election Day is virtually impossible.
Therefore, the only rational reason I can see for her running is to boost voter turnout on the west side of Virginia Beach (7th District), which would help a status quo Council candidate but hurt John Moss.
5. My best wishes to the new Republic of South Sudan. Now if they would change the country name to disassociate themselves from the thugs who rule in Khartoum. Maybe a beautiful name in one of the indigenous languages.
6. With zero units constructed through Virginia Beach's Workforce Housing Program, how long until the City takes more forceful measures to get the units built?
7. With Southwest Airlines buying AirTran, and closing their Newport News station next Spring, what - if any - of the Newport News AirTran flights become Norfolk Southwest flights? Conventional wisdom is that Atlanta service is a given, but do we also get Boston and New York - LaGuardia?
8. In his latest blog post, even Bob O'Connor had to admit that Virginia Beach light rail is inevitable. How long before other Kool-Aid chuggers catch on, and end their futile resistance?
9. How much longer can the European Union keep putting out national financial crisis after national financial crisis in the euro zone?
10. Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement (HRCCE) Executive Director (and former City of Virginia Beach staffer) Betsy McBride has moved back to her native Idaho. That led a mid-level City staffer to joke about potato farming. Glad to know I'm not the only one who has quipped about that.
11. What has the Hampton Roads Partnership been doing since the Declaration of Interdependence?
12. Sweating our way through this Summer, only a Flat Earther could continue to deny climate change.
13. The teahadists burned any credibility they had in opposing the raising of the Federal debt ceiling. If they had taken time to notice, everyone in the mainstream knew it was necessary, with the arguments being over what conditions to attach to it. The tea baggers would have triggered a second Great Depression with a Federal debt default.
14. Speaking of such, in a comment on the blog Bearing Drift, Reid Greenmun called raising the Federal debt ceiling "insane". If the Chairman of the extremist VBTA wants to see what is actually insane, all he has to do is look in the mirror.
15. Suffolk has yet to decide on a final proposed option on how to replace Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) bus service come January 1. Stay tuned, as this one could get entertaining before it's over. (Entertaining, unless you're a Suffolk bus rider.)
16. The jockeying is on over the vacant Chief Communications Officer's position at HRT, with its $100k+ annual salary. Two applicants have already spoke to me about the job.
17. In picking up sports from the British, why did cricket have to eclipse soccer in India? With the country having as large a population (read: talent base) as it does, it could have had a great men's national soccer team. (In Asia, even friggin' North Korea has a much better team.)
18. So far, picking a candidate to support in the Republican Presidential field is a case of choosing the lesser of evils. (Yes, I still wish Mike Huckabee was running.)
19. Since the Chilean miners rescue, it seems like the only big story out of South America has been the health of Venezuelan President Huge Chavez. Damn quiet. Then, is quiet preferable?
2. When will the agreement on an entertainment complex for the Dome site be completed? We've been on the cusp of closing the deal for months.
3. Who files at the 11th hour for this November's Virginia Beach City Council special election should be interesting. When perennial candidate John Moss first announced, I couldn't have imagined he'd be in a position to still be taken seriously at this point.
4. Meyera Oberndorf is being recruited by the Demonrats to run for the 7th Senate District seat this November. Anyone who has worked a General Assembly race before (and I've done a few) knows standing up a credible campaign just 90 days out from Election Day is virtually impossible.
Therefore, the only rational reason I can see for her running is to boost voter turnout on the west side of Virginia Beach (7th District), which would help a status quo Council candidate but hurt John Moss.
5. My best wishes to the new Republic of South Sudan. Now if they would change the country name to disassociate themselves from the thugs who rule in Khartoum. Maybe a beautiful name in one of the indigenous languages.
6. With zero units constructed through Virginia Beach's Workforce Housing Program, how long until the City takes more forceful measures to get the units built?
7. With Southwest Airlines buying AirTran, and closing their Newport News station next Spring, what - if any - of the Newport News AirTran flights become Norfolk Southwest flights? Conventional wisdom is that Atlanta service is a given, but do we also get Boston and New York - LaGuardia?
8. In his latest blog post, even Bob O'Connor had to admit that Virginia Beach light rail is inevitable. How long before other Kool-Aid chuggers catch on, and end their futile resistance?
9. How much longer can the European Union keep putting out national financial crisis after national financial crisis in the euro zone?
10. Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement (HRCCE) Executive Director (and former City of Virginia Beach staffer) Betsy McBride has moved back to her native Idaho. That led a mid-level City staffer to joke about potato farming. Glad to know I'm not the only one who has quipped about that.
11. What has the Hampton Roads Partnership been doing since the Declaration of Interdependence?
12. Sweating our way through this Summer, only a Flat Earther could continue to deny climate change.
13. The teahadists burned any credibility they had in opposing the raising of the Federal debt ceiling. If they had taken time to notice, everyone in the mainstream knew it was necessary, with the arguments being over what conditions to attach to it. The tea baggers would have triggered a second Great Depression with a Federal debt default.
14. Speaking of such, in a comment on the blog Bearing Drift, Reid Greenmun called raising the Federal debt ceiling "insane". If the Chairman of the extremist VBTA wants to see what is actually insane, all he has to do is look in the mirror.
15. Suffolk has yet to decide on a final proposed option on how to replace Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) bus service come January 1. Stay tuned, as this one could get entertaining before it's over. (Entertaining, unless you're a Suffolk bus rider.)
16. The jockeying is on over the vacant Chief Communications Officer's position at HRT, with its $100k+ annual salary. Two applicants have already spoke to me about the job.
17. In picking up sports from the British, why did cricket have to eclipse soccer in India? With the country having as large a population (read: talent base) as it does, it could have had a great men's national soccer team. (In Asia, even friggin' North Korea has a much better team.)
18. So far, picking a candidate to support in the Republican Presidential field is a case of choosing the lesser of evils. (Yes, I still wish Mike Huckabee was running.)
19. Since the Chilean miners rescue, it seems like the only big story out of South America has been the health of Venezuelan President Huge Chavez. Damn quiet. Then, is quiet preferable?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Obama Message To His Supporters On The Debt Deal
This is the video message from President Obama to his supporters on the Federal debt deal.
Note that he never mentions what happens if the committee doesn't agree on a second round of cuts.
Note that he never mentions what happens if the committee doesn't agree on a second round of cuts.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Redistricting Here, Redistricting There
VIRGINIA BEACH
The information was e-mailed out yesterday: the Thursday evening (June 16) Virginia Beach City Redistricting Meeting will be 6 P.M. at Meyera Oberndorf Central Library.
Some plans have already been submitted, and I saw a copy of one this past Thursday night.
NORFOLK
This past Tuesday night I was over in Norfolk to see if I could learn anything from their Redistricting process. What I got was a great seat for when Rodney Jordan dropped his bombshell.
For those who haven't heard, he offered a plan which would convert Norfolk's Ward 1 (now represented by Andy Protogyrou) to a minority-majority ward. Not African-American majority, but total minority. It does so by pushing Ward 1 south, and drawing Ward 5 (Tommy Smigiel) all the way west in Ocean View through Willoughby Spit.
Obviously it would shift power in Norfolk, but it would also have notable effects at the regional level, too. Virginia Beach inclusionists should support the efforts of Jordan & friends, as having an amiable government in Norfolk City Hall would obviously help the cause for inclusion here.
If the Norfolk City Council rejects Jordan's proposal, he can then file it with the U.S. Department of Justice for consideration during Norfolk's preclearance review. The Obama Administration could then reject the official Norfolk plan on the grounds that a fourth minority-majority ward is possible, and instruct Norfolk to proceed along those lines. (That may be where Virginia Beach's Redistricting ends up, too.)
The information was e-mailed out yesterday: the Thursday evening (June 16) Virginia Beach City Redistricting Meeting will be 6 P.M. at Meyera Oberndorf Central Library.
Some plans have already been submitted, and I saw a copy of one this past Thursday night.
NORFOLK
This past Tuesday night I was over in Norfolk to see if I could learn anything from their Redistricting process. What I got was a great seat for when Rodney Jordan dropped his bombshell.
For those who haven't heard, he offered a plan which would convert Norfolk's Ward 1 (now represented by Andy Protogyrou) to a minority-majority ward. Not African-American majority, but total minority. It does so by pushing Ward 1 south, and drawing Ward 5 (Tommy Smigiel) all the way west in Ocean View through Willoughby Spit.
Obviously it would shift power in Norfolk, but it would also have notable effects at the regional level, too. Virginia Beach inclusionists should support the efforts of Jordan & friends, as having an amiable government in Norfolk City Hall would obviously help the cause for inclusion here.
If the Norfolk City Council rejects Jordan's proposal, he can then file it with the U.S. Department of Justice for consideration during Norfolk's preclearance review. The Obama Administration could then reject the official Norfolk plan on the grounds that a fourth minority-majority ward is possible, and instruct Norfolk to proceed along those lines. (That may be where Virginia Beach's Redistricting ends up, too.)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The CCO Goes Multimodal
Last night the Council of Civic Organizations (CCO), Virginia Beach's civic league federation, had a program on High Speed Rail and light rail. There were two presenters. First, Thelma Drake, Director of Virginia's Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). Second, Marie Arnt of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). Marie is public outreach person for the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study.
DRAKE
Conventional rail Amtrak service to Norfolk will begin in 2013 with one train each day. That should be boosted to three trains per day once the Appomattox River Bridge is upgraded. On the CSX line outside Petersburg, it is a single track railroad bridge. Virginia may assist in upgrading to two tracks. 90% of the funds for the Norfolk service are in the bank, with the track upgrades on the Norfolk Southern line to Petersburg already begun.
Two new mass transit agencies have begun service in Virginia in 2011, with two other localities studying implementing transit. When businesses look at an area for a potential relocation, one of the first things they'll ask is "How would employees get to work?" That spawns transit service.
The Federal government may cutoff our region's Federal highway dollars, based on air quality, if we do not adequately do mass transit to try to mitigate the impact. Given that air quality here is in the yellow zone of Federal requirements, that's a serious issue.
The #1 issue employers in Hampton Roads raise with Drake: parking. That's not a problem if your employees take mass transit to work.
There are two major new initiatives by DRPT in 2011:
1. A motor coach service being launched from Roanoke to Lynchburg to feed into Amtrak trains there. Some want trains extended to Roanoke, with this being a precursor to see if the market's there. Lynchburg's Amtrak service is carrying three times the projected passengers.
2. A partnership with the Army for moving soldiers. Each week 1,000 go from Fort A.P. Hill to Fort Lee on Monday, and return on Thursday. The Army had been using motor coaches, making for a horde of buses on the road. They're now making the trip on Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains.
ARNT
There was little to report on the timed-out Virginia Beach study, so Marie spent most her time talking about Norfolk's Starter Line. At HRT "everyone is working their butts off" towards revenue service launch. Most likely trains would run on a Saturday and Sunday with no fare required, before a revenue launch on a Monday morning.
Arnt worked her way down the line west to east, noting features at each stop. She also touched on feeder bus service and the light rail safety program.
The golden nugget: the final hours of operation at launch were agreed to at a Tuesday evening meeting. It will be Monday - Thursday 6 A.M. - 11 P.M., Friday & Saturday 6 A.M. - Midnight, and Sunday 11 A.M. - 9 P.M.
I'm elated: I can go to a weeknight Admirals game, and that extra hour of service means I can catch the train out afterwards.
DRAKE
Conventional rail Amtrak service to Norfolk will begin in 2013 with one train each day. That should be boosted to three trains per day once the Appomattox River Bridge is upgraded. On the CSX line outside Petersburg, it is a single track railroad bridge. Virginia may assist in upgrading to two tracks. 90% of the funds for the Norfolk service are in the bank, with the track upgrades on the Norfolk Southern line to Petersburg already begun.
Two new mass transit agencies have begun service in Virginia in 2011, with two other localities studying implementing transit. When businesses look at an area for a potential relocation, one of the first things they'll ask is "How would employees get to work?" That spawns transit service.
The Federal government may cutoff our region's Federal highway dollars, based on air quality, if we do not adequately do mass transit to try to mitigate the impact. Given that air quality here is in the yellow zone of Federal requirements, that's a serious issue.
The #1 issue employers in Hampton Roads raise with Drake: parking. That's not a problem if your employees take mass transit to work.
There are two major new initiatives by DRPT in 2011:
1. A motor coach service being launched from Roanoke to Lynchburg to feed into Amtrak trains there. Some want trains extended to Roanoke, with this being a precursor to see if the market's there. Lynchburg's Amtrak service is carrying three times the projected passengers.
2. A partnership with the Army for moving soldiers. Each week 1,000 go from Fort A.P. Hill to Fort Lee on Monday, and return on Thursday. The Army had been using motor coaches, making for a horde of buses on the road. They're now making the trip on Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains.
ARNT
There was little to report on the timed-out Virginia Beach study, so Marie spent most her time talking about Norfolk's Starter Line. At HRT "everyone is working their butts off" towards revenue service launch. Most likely trains would run on a Saturday and Sunday with no fare required, before a revenue launch on a Monday morning.
Arnt worked her way down the line west to east, noting features at each stop. She also touched on feeder bus service and the light rail safety program.
The golden nugget: the final hours of operation at launch were agreed to at a Tuesday evening meeting. It will be Monday - Thursday 6 A.M. - 11 P.M., Friday & Saturday 6 A.M. - Midnight, and Sunday 11 A.M. - 9 P.M.
I'm elated: I can go to a weeknight Admirals game, and that extra hour of service means I can catch the train out afterwards.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
2011 Virginia Beach City Redistricting Schedule
This is the proposed schedule for the redistricting of the seven Virginia Beach City Council residency districts. Also during this process, residents may advocate for reform of our at-large voting system:
May 25 - Public Meeting at Green Run High School, 6 P.M.
June 16 - a public meeting at a location and time to be determined.
June 28 - the proposed plans will be presented to City Council.
July 14 & 27 - Public Meetings on the proposed plans.
August 9 - a Public Hearing on the proposed plans in the Council Chambers.
August 23 - City Council votes on their preferred plan or multiple plans.
The consultant will be available to meet with interested residents on May 25 & 26, and June 16 & 17. By appointment any resident can meet and submit a plan.
May 25 - Public Meeting at Green Run High School, 6 P.M.
June 16 - a public meeting at a location and time to be determined.
June 28 - the proposed plans will be presented to City Council.
July 14 & 27 - Public Meetings on the proposed plans.
August 9 - a Public Hearing on the proposed plans in the Council Chambers.
August 23 - City Council votes on their preferred plan or multiple plans.
The consultant will be available to meet with interested residents on May 25 & 26, and June 16 & 17. By appointment any resident can meet and submit a plan.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
TDCHR April 28, 2011
I try to give you a digest of meetings of the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR), the governing board of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). Debbie Messina goes for a single sexy story for the newspaper, and I don't see one out of today's meeting.
Let's start with the financials. HRT is nearly $2 million under Budget after three quarters of the fiscal year. They received the 5/12ths apportionment they applied for from the Federal government, and used some of that money to payoff their Line of Credit.
You all want the light rail news. The safety system testing should be completed by the end of May. President Phillip Shucet hopes to be able to give the TDCHR a firmer hold on a revenue service launch date at the May TDCHR meeting.
The new Southside maintenance facility will be completed on time and on budget. Operations should be back there from the Ford plant in later May, with a formal opening ceremony in June.
Operating Budget Officer Brandon Singleton presented the proposed FY 2012 Budget. Ongoing negotiations with the contractor may bring paratransit costs down. The big issue is fuel costs. With the current price spike driven by speculators, it's hoped to be able to lock in at a lower price once they go to cash in their profits. HRT's current fuel contracts will take the agency through the end of the Summer.
The TDCHR approved seven contracts today: one for an overhaul on a paddlewheel ferry, two for construction management services, two for software and support, one for the Ballentine Boulevard park and ride, and one for the Newtown Station employees restroom.
New Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Henry Li was introduced to the TDCHR. He arrived just two weeks ago from his previous job in Georgia. What struck some of us before the meeting is that Li had been studying the photos of Commissioners on HRT's website, so that he could try to recognize them when meeting them for the first time. (That's the kind of detail junkie you want watching the money!)
Phillip Shucet presented two awards to employees:
1. Brian Smith got the President's Coin for being the driving force behind getting Project 31/90 done. Project 31/90 was the effort to implement reforms at HRT after the Inspector General's report.
2. David Sullivan was given a plaque for his service as interim CFO.
The next TDCHR meeting will be May 26 at 1:30 P.M. in Norfolk.
Let's start with the financials. HRT is nearly $2 million under Budget after three quarters of the fiscal year. They received the 5/12ths apportionment they applied for from the Federal government, and used some of that money to payoff their Line of Credit.
You all want the light rail news. The safety system testing should be completed by the end of May. President Phillip Shucet hopes to be able to give the TDCHR a firmer hold on a revenue service launch date at the May TDCHR meeting.
The new Southside maintenance facility will be completed on time and on budget. Operations should be back there from the Ford plant in later May, with a formal opening ceremony in June.
Operating Budget Officer Brandon Singleton presented the proposed FY 2012 Budget. Ongoing negotiations with the contractor may bring paratransit costs down. The big issue is fuel costs. With the current price spike driven by speculators, it's hoped to be able to lock in at a lower price once they go to cash in their profits. HRT's current fuel contracts will take the agency through the end of the Summer.
The TDCHR approved seven contracts today: one for an overhaul on a paddlewheel ferry, two for construction management services, two for software and support, one for the Ballentine Boulevard park and ride, and one for the Newtown Station employees restroom.
New Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Henry Li was introduced to the TDCHR. He arrived just two weeks ago from his previous job in Georgia. What struck some of us before the meeting is that Li had been studying the photos of Commissioners on HRT's website, so that he could try to recognize them when meeting them for the first time. (That's the kind of detail junkie you want watching the money!)
Phillip Shucet presented two awards to employees:
1. Brian Smith got the President's Coin for being the driving force behind getting Project 31/90 done. Project 31/90 was the effort to implement reforms at HRT after the Inspector General's report.
2. David Sullivan was given a plaque for his service as interim CFO.
The next TDCHR meeting will be May 26 at 1:30 P.M. in Norfolk.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Bring Our M-1s Home!
The M-1 Garand rifle was used by American infantry in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. After the Korean War, the United States left nearly one million M-1s in South Korea for that country's defense. In 2011, South Korea would like to be able to sell the authentic M-1s to collectors in the United States.
One serious problem: the Obama Administration has moved to block them. Never mind that the rifles were manufactured here in the first place, and newer versions can be legally bought here.
Speak up to your Congressmen about allowing them to be imported back into the United States.
H/T Townhall
One serious problem: the Obama Administration has moved to block them. Never mind that the rifles were manufactured here in the first place, and newer versions can be legally bought here.
Speak up to your Congressmen about allowing them to be imported back into the United States.
H/T Townhall
Friday, April 8, 2011
The Letter To The FTA
Above is the actual April 1 letter from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) to the Federal Administration (FTA) seeking answers to questions raised by the FTA. Most of you have heard the story by now: a stop work order has been placed on the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study pending the FTA's reply.
I post the actual letter in order that you can see through the disinformation spread by the opponents. There are two main points:
1. Can the Virginia Beach extension be phased?
2. If actual Norfolk ridership numbers are desired by the FTA, how long of a halt?
That's it. Nothing more. This is not a serious blow to the project.
Should there be a lengthy halt, it would give Virginia Beach time to finish Strategic Growth Area (SGA) plans along the Norfolk Southern Corridor. Rosemont is in progress, Lynnhaven will be later in 2011, and Hilltop in early 2012.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
You All Agreed
It was unanimous that insurance companies don't care about your health.
The impetus was that I have a condition that medical science recommends surgery for. However, Medicare (I get it due to disability) won't cover it as I don't have one of their prerequisites. (Granted, Medicare is a government program.)
The new question: does John Moss hurt the Council of Civic Organization's (CCO) credibility? The Chairman of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) has been invited to be the speaker at the March general meeting of Virginia Beach's civic league federation (i.e. the CCO).
The impetus was that I have a condition that medical science recommends surgery for. However, Medicare (I get it due to disability) won't cover it as I don't have one of their prerequisites. (Granted, Medicare is a government program.)
The new question: does John Moss hurt the Council of Civic Organization's (CCO) credibility? The Chairman of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) has been invited to be the speaker at the March general meeting of Virginia Beach's civic league federation (i.e. the CCO).
Thursday, February 17, 2011
TPO Retreat February 17, 2011
The Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) held it's annual Retreat today.
Most important was that the draft list from the project prioritization list was carried forward by consensus for the 2034 Long Range Plan (LRP). Some concern was raised that it didn't put additional lanes across the harbor. However, it was pointed out that the Patriots' Crossing coupled with excess capacity at the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel would provide additional ability. For the wingnuts (from both sides) who have attacked Governor Bob McDonnell's transportation initiative, let me point out 13 of the 17 Projects for Construction were only on the list due to anticipated funds from the GARVEE bond float. The TPO will act on the draft 2034 LRP list at it's March 17 meeting. A final list is required to be sent to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) by June, in order that VDOT can do the air conformity work on the list.
An analysis from Old Dominion University's Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center on harbor crossings was presented. 29 different accident scenarios were modeled, and in 90% of them the Patriots' Crossing provided more traffic relief than an expanded Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). The only scenarios where an expanded HRBT scored higher was when the accident was on or in the periphery of the HRBT. Members of the Hampton Roads Caucus of the General Assembly had requested such a look. With only so many people crossing the harbor daily, they wanted to know which alternative provided better relief elsewhere in the region.
A Presentation on Value Pricing was made by Angela Jacobs. Ms. Jacobs is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) from the Federal Highway Administration. Value Pricing, also known as Congestion Pricing, puts variable levels of tolls on a road depending on time of the day. The idea is to make it cheaper to travel off-peak, while forcing drivers to pay a premium to drive a congested road at rush hour.
High Speed Rail was briefly covered. First, there will be a conference call on March 1 between TPO Staff, Staff from Virginia's Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and the Federal Railway Administration. The idea is to try to get everyone on the same page about High Speed Rail to Norfolk. Second, DRPT Director Thelma Drake will be at the March TPO meeting to discuss the issue with the TPO Board. Third, we're looking to apply for NEPA money for a Norfolk High Speed Rail alignment in May, 2012.
The Board looked towards budgeting for FY 2012.
Finally, Facilitator Jim Oliver opened a discussion on the TPO's Executive Committee. Oliver noted that two years ago it would have been unimaginable that the region could have come together on a projects list and High Speed Rail. He suggested working through the full Board, as it has helped form consensus. However, some looked towards a future when the TPO and HRPDC will have different Executive Directors and totally separated Staffs. At that time, the Executive Committee will be necessary to cover personnel matters.
Most important was that the draft list from the project prioritization list was carried forward by consensus for the 2034 Long Range Plan (LRP). Some concern was raised that it didn't put additional lanes across the harbor. However, it was pointed out that the Patriots' Crossing coupled with excess capacity at the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel would provide additional ability. For the wingnuts (from both sides) who have attacked Governor Bob McDonnell's transportation initiative, let me point out 13 of the 17 Projects for Construction were only on the list due to anticipated funds from the GARVEE bond float. The TPO will act on the draft 2034 LRP list at it's March 17 meeting. A final list is required to be sent to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) by June, in order that VDOT can do the air conformity work on the list.
An analysis from Old Dominion University's Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center on harbor crossings was presented. 29 different accident scenarios were modeled, and in 90% of them the Patriots' Crossing provided more traffic relief than an expanded Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). The only scenarios where an expanded HRBT scored higher was when the accident was on or in the periphery of the HRBT. Members of the Hampton Roads Caucus of the General Assembly had requested such a look. With only so many people crossing the harbor daily, they wanted to know which alternative provided better relief elsewhere in the region.
A Presentation on Value Pricing was made by Angela Jacobs. Ms. Jacobs is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) from the Federal Highway Administration. Value Pricing, also known as Congestion Pricing, puts variable levels of tolls on a road depending on time of the day. The idea is to make it cheaper to travel off-peak, while forcing drivers to pay a premium to drive a congested road at rush hour.
High Speed Rail was briefly covered. First, there will be a conference call on March 1 between TPO Staff, Staff from Virginia's Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and the Federal Railway Administration. The idea is to try to get everyone on the same page about High Speed Rail to Norfolk. Second, DRPT Director Thelma Drake will be at the March TPO meeting to discuss the issue with the TPO Board. Third, we're looking to apply for NEPA money for a Norfolk High Speed Rail alignment in May, 2012.
The Board looked towards budgeting for FY 2012.
Finally, Facilitator Jim Oliver opened a discussion on the TPO's Executive Committee. Oliver noted that two years ago it would have been unimaginable that the region could have come together on a projects list and High Speed Rail. He suggested working through the full Board, as it has helped form consensus. However, some looked towards a future when the TPO and HRPDC will have different Executive Directors and totally separated Staffs. At that time, the Executive Committee will be necessary to cover personnel matters.
Friday, February 11, 2011
2010 Census: We Told You So
The release of the initial numbers from the 2010 Census paints a picture some of us figured out a decade ago: Virginia Beach is becoming more racially diverse. In fact, fewer Whites lives in Virginia Beach in 2010 than in 1990. What population growth we've had for the past generation has been entirely minority.
In the past decade, we went from being 19.0% African-American to 19.6%, and from 5.0% Asian-American to 6.3%. The big boom: our Hispanic community jumped from 4.2% to 6.6%.
I stated a decade ago that it was a natural leveling effect. It never made sense that Virginia Beach was only 21% minority (1990 Census) next to cities with much larger percentiles.
Of course, the fun part will be how the Municipal Center tries to come to grips with the changing realities on the ground.
In the past decade, we went from being 19.0% African-American to 19.6%, and from 5.0% Asian-American to 6.3%. The big boom: our Hispanic community jumped from 4.2% to 6.6%.
I stated a decade ago that it was a natural leveling effect. It never made sense that Virginia Beach was only 21% minority (1990 Census) next to cities with much larger percentiles.
Of course, the fun part will be how the Municipal Center tries to come to grips with the changing realities on the ground.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Playing 47 Questions
On Wednesday evening there was the first public meeting on the region's 2034 Long Range Plan (LRP) for transportation. The meeting was held at the Regional Building in Chesapeake.
The LRP is a Federally-mandated plan that looks at our region's transportation needs at a 20 year horizon, with the Plan having to be updated every 4 years. Projects must be in the LRP to be eligible for Federal funding.
Things began with an open forum, where citizens could read documents, view charts, and ask questions of staff. (It was the first time I had seen the full list of projects from the prioritization tool.) There then was a Presentation on the LRP. That was followed by a question and answer session. It was a robust portion, with 47 questions asked. (Staff noted all 47 questions.) Finally, things ended with another open forum.
While there was a nice contingent from Light Rail Now, zero members of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance showed up. (They either were asleep at the wheel again or don't give a damn about our transportation network. Maybe both.) The heartening thing was the number of citizens who showed up who normally don't attend such meetings. They simply are fed up with our transportation problems not being tackled, and want to get involved.
Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Executive Director Dwight Farmer stated that the 2034 LRP will be the focal point of the TPO's February 17 Retreat.
The LRP is a Federally-mandated plan that looks at our region's transportation needs at a 20 year horizon, with the Plan having to be updated every 4 years. Projects must be in the LRP to be eligible for Federal funding.
Things began with an open forum, where citizens could read documents, view charts, and ask questions of staff. (It was the first time I had seen the full list of projects from the prioritization tool.) There then was a Presentation on the LRP. That was followed by a question and answer session. It was a robust portion, with 47 questions asked. (Staff noted all 47 questions.) Finally, things ended with another open forum.
While there was a nice contingent from Light Rail Now, zero members of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance showed up. (They either were asleep at the wheel again or don't give a damn about our transportation network. Maybe both.) The heartening thing was the number of citizens who showed up who normally don't attend such meetings. They simply are fed up with our transportation problems not being tackled, and want to get involved.
Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Executive Director Dwight Farmer stated that the 2034 LRP will be the focal point of the TPO's February 17 Retreat.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Transportation Tidbits From 1/5/11
I attended two transportation meetings yesterday, and picked up some things from them:
1. You've probably read about the "Patriots' Crossing" a pared-down portion of The Third Crossing. One thing that should sound alarms with mass transit advocates: the multimodal portion of The Third Crossing isn't in the Patriots' Crossing. We need a rail tunnel under the harbor for light rail, in order to relieve tunnel congestion. While you might be able to go back and build it later, the Patriots' Crossing could either preclude it or make it much more expensive.
2. The market is there for the Port of Virginia to increase it's business 200%-300% by 2025. Yet the usual suspects continue to whine about transportation improvements that could benefit the port.
3. Only 5% of containers moving inland from the port go by barge, with Federal law effectively blocking any significant increase in that percentage. We're going to need more road and railroad capacity for moving the containers.
4. The proposed move of Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) downtown Norfolk transfer center from Cedar Grove to Wood Street has been pushed back one week, to April 24. That's to coincide with the beginning of a new pay period for bus Operators, as there will be cost differences involved.
5. Any bus riders interested, seats are available on HRT's Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC). See the TRAC page on HRT's website for more information on the committee.
1. You've probably read about the "Patriots' Crossing" a pared-down portion of The Third Crossing. One thing that should sound alarms with mass transit advocates: the multimodal portion of The Third Crossing isn't in the Patriots' Crossing. We need a rail tunnel under the harbor for light rail, in order to relieve tunnel congestion. While you might be able to go back and build it later, the Patriots' Crossing could either preclude it or make it much more expensive.
2. The market is there for the Port of Virginia to increase it's business 200%-300% by 2025. Yet the usual suspects continue to whine about transportation improvements that could benefit the port.
3. Only 5% of containers moving inland from the port go by barge, with Federal law effectively blocking any significant increase in that percentage. We're going to need more road and railroad capacity for moving the containers.
4. The proposed move of Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) downtown Norfolk transfer center from Cedar Grove to Wood Street has been pushed back one week, to April 24. That's to coincide with the beginning of a new pay period for bus Operators, as there will be cost differences involved.
5. Any bus riders interested, seats are available on HRT's Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC). See the TRAC page on HRT's website for more information on the committee.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wood Street And The Tide Launch
The MSM has previously reported on the proposed move of Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) Cedar Grove Transfer Center to Wood Street. The Norfolk City Council is scheduled to vote on that and other light rail-related matters on December 7.
What you haven't read are details from the proposals. HRT's Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC) was briefed Wednesday evening on them:
1. The Tide is scheduled to go into revenue service on May 1, 2011.
2. The Cedar Grove Transfer Center would be moved to Wood Street two weeks prior, on April 17.
3. The bus lineup would be on the north side of Wood. 13 shelters would be there, 3 more than at Cedar Grove. Traffic on Wood would be one way westbound, though emergency vehicles exiting the adjacent fire station could run against traffic. A fence would be erected on the south side of Wood Street. Posey Lane would no longer exit into Wood.
4. There would be toilets there for bus Operators, but none now are planned for passengers.
TRAC members immediately lobbied for them. HRT Staff retorted none were at the former transfer center on Charlotte Street. (Psst...we slipped into MacArthur Center from there.)
5. Routes 6, 8, and 45 would provide service from Wood Street into southern downtown. They'd leave south on St. Paul's, turn right on Waterside, right on Boush, then right on City Hall, heading out of downtown from there.
6. Route 23 would travel Princess Anne Road along the northern periphery of downtown, as it did in pre-Cedar Grove days.
7. The single new bus route will be Route 16, from ODU to Fort Norfolk via Colley Avenue.
8. The additional cost to the City of Norfolk in FY 2012 would be $5.9 million, $3.1 million for light rail and $2.8 million for additional bus service. (Also, additional Federal and state funds would be involved.)
It's not a zero sum game, as $1.2 million would be saved by eliminating the NET ($700k) and Route 310 ($500k).
9. Some buses leaving Wood Street would serve the Monticello Station, including Routes 1 and 3. They'd head west on Charlotte Street, then turn north up Monticello.
10. There's a proposal for a Ghent NET on the table. It would run evenings from 6-10 P.M., 6-Midnight Friday and Saturday. There are four evening (Thursday - Sunday) and nightly options being considered.
11. The Tide would begin service daily at 6 A.M. It would run until 10 P.M. Monday - Thursday, Midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 9 P.M. on Sunday.
What you haven't read are details from the proposals. HRT's Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC) was briefed Wednesday evening on them:
1. The Tide is scheduled to go into revenue service on May 1, 2011.
2. The Cedar Grove Transfer Center would be moved to Wood Street two weeks prior, on April 17.
3. The bus lineup would be on the north side of Wood. 13 shelters would be there, 3 more than at Cedar Grove. Traffic on Wood would be one way westbound, though emergency vehicles exiting the adjacent fire station could run against traffic. A fence would be erected on the south side of Wood Street. Posey Lane would no longer exit into Wood.
4. There would be toilets there for bus Operators, but none now are planned for passengers.
TRAC members immediately lobbied for them. HRT Staff retorted none were at the former transfer center on Charlotte Street. (Psst...we slipped into MacArthur Center from there.)
5. Routes 6, 8, and 45 would provide service from Wood Street into southern downtown. They'd leave south on St. Paul's, turn right on Waterside, right on Boush, then right on City Hall, heading out of downtown from there.
6. Route 23 would travel Princess Anne Road along the northern periphery of downtown, as it did in pre-Cedar Grove days.
7. The single new bus route will be Route 16, from ODU to Fort Norfolk via Colley Avenue.
8. The additional cost to the City of Norfolk in FY 2012 would be $5.9 million, $3.1 million for light rail and $2.8 million for additional bus service. (Also, additional Federal and state funds would be involved.)
It's not a zero sum game, as $1.2 million would be saved by eliminating the NET ($700k) and Route 310 ($500k).
9. Some buses leaving Wood Street would serve the Monticello Station, including Routes 1 and 3. They'd head west on Charlotte Street, then turn north up Monticello.
10. There's a proposal for a Ghent NET on the table. It would run evenings from 6-10 P.M., 6-Midnight Friday and Saturday. There are four evening (Thursday - Sunday) and nightly options being considered.
11. The Tide would begin service daily at 6 A.M. It would run until 10 P.M. Monday - Thursday, Midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 9 P.M. on Sunday.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Already Thinking 2012
The Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) has already launched a website with the 2012 Federal election in mind. It's at www.ObamaAndWebbAreNext.com
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
2010 Virginia Beach City Council Election: The Day After
Okay, you've probably been waiting for my two cents worth. May even want to chime in with your own thoughts under Comments. Here I go....
OVERALL
Who won yesterday? Obviously all 6 incumbents. However, what political grouping?
4 of the 5 candidates endorsed by Mayor Sessoms did. However, Bill DeSteph won reelection while chosen successor Dave Redmond finished 5th in the At-Large field.
Obviously not the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), as all of their challengers went down hard. As 2010 was the last chance the VBTA had to even make a half-baked challenge for Council seats (more on that later), fittingly the VBTA as an electoral farce came to an end on All Souls Day. (November 2 is All Souls Day in the Catholic Church, when we remember the dead.)
The biggest story of the day may have been the poor showing of the Council candidates endorsed by the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC). (More on that later, too.) However, time is on AAPAC's side. Yesterday was an early skirmish in a much broader and longer war.
The only clear winner yesterday was (drum roll, please) City Clerk Ruth Fraser. With all 6 incumbents returning, the old stationary can continue to be used.
VBTA
You knew I couldn't wait to beat up on my favorite whipping boys, didn't you? With Obama's reelection effort almost certain to drive a huge minority turnout in 2012, any VBTA Council challenges will be stillborn next time out. Most of the angry old men who comprise the VBTA's inner circle will have aged out by 2014. Therefore, 2010 was their last chance to make a Council splash and they largely blew it.
The poll workers pushing the slate of Bill DeSteph, John Moss, and Toni Hedrick yesterday were using sample ballots from the Hampton Roads TEA Party (HRTP). It's telling that they admit that the VBTA brand is ballot box poison for a candidate.
Their astonishing faux pas of the day was further down the sample ballot. They called for the defeat of all three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. That's right: they openly opposed tax waivers for veterans 100% disabled in the line of duty, in this Navy town! That had to be dead weight on their Council candidates!
If you want proof positive of what a joke the VBTA is, George Furman received more votes (31,338) in Bayside District than Hedrick (29,229) did in Lynnhaven. Furman didn't even actively campaign as such until a month out, and had no visible organization. Yet Furman got 2,109 more votes than Hedrick!
How will the VBTA react? We get a hint reading the online comments to The Virginian-Pravda story about the election results. First Reid Greenmun posted a disjointed blathering about the Mayor and Vice Mayor promising a light rail referendum. (Not a word about the candidate loses.) Then Ben Krause repeated his same campaign talking points about Jim Wood. (Yeah, that message played well.)
HOLLAND PRECINCT
Yesterday I did an all-day stint at Holland Precinct, at Holland Elementary School, primarily for Andrew Jackson. Jim Wood also asked me to distribute his lit, which I did with Andrew's permission.
I started the day with a Jackson palm card and the Wood piece. Running out of Jackson cards about 10 A.M., I then switched that off to the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC) sample ballot for the remainder of the day.
Poll workers from the Republican Party of Virginia Beach (RPVB) and HRTP were there for the three busier periods of the day (morning, lunch, and evening). The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) and Kenny Golden campaign had people there morning and evening. Barbara Henley's Council campaign had someone there for lunch and the evening. The firefighters union had firemen there periodically during the day.
Such a day always has it's fun moments. The bizarre one was when the Democratic worker called for a Constitutional amendment prohibiting corporate campaign donations, labeling contributions by corporations "fascism". The most humorous one was using the restrooms at the elementary school. Designed for small children, the urinals are mounted low and the sink even lower. That led a retired sailor to exclaim, "Adjust your aim!" The warm moment was realizing five of us poll workers were Catholic. (We should have brought our rosary beads.)
CANDIDATE APPEARANCES
Todd Davidson came for about 90 minutes at midday, and his time made for some of the better conversation of the day.
He also got corrected a comical problem: the school had it's SOL accreditation flag up the flagpole upside down. (Our Navy veteran had tried to get it fixed earlier, but to no avail.) School Board member Davidson charged into the Office, and within a few minutes a custodian was out to get it right.
James Cabiness and his wife came to vote just before Noon. (Yes, he lives in Holland Precinct.)
George Furman spent about 25 minutes there after 5 P.M. I tried to explain to him that he was getting it wrong. (Hey, it was late enough in the day that the advice was useless.) A candidate is suppose to spend a few hours at a few targeted precincts during the day, but he was trying to hop around a number of them quickly. Anyway, my words went over his head.
AAPAC
I'm always happy to do work for my best friends. Their cause is just, right, and will empower the vast majority of residents. Not only did that take me to Holland Precinct yesterday, but I wrote some basic poll working pointers for the Jackson Campaign last week. As for Andrew, at most I hoped he could slip into the 2nd Place spot in the At-Large field. In the least I wanted to beat a Kool-Aid chugger or two.
Yesterday was a mess. Not only did Tanya Bullock lose, but Jackson (6th) and Cabiness (7th) finished in the last two slots of the At-Large field. Virginia Beach continues to be diversity-challenged.
My consolation is what happened in Holland Precinct. Andrew finished 2nd, just one vote behind Rita Sweet Bellitto. Also, Tanya won Holland. (Her name was at the top of the AAPAC sample ballot.)
We lost a battle, but the war continues. Quite the contrary of the VBTA, our numbers are growing daily. It's not a question of "if" we win, but "when" we win.
PARTISANSHIP
The long version of the Democratic sample ballot had a section "Friends of the Democratic Party", which encouraged people to vote for a given list of City Council and School Board candidates. Also, Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) Chair Susan Mariner e-mailed out the list on Monday.
Republican poll workers had a list of Council and School Board candidates endorsed by Governor Bob McDonnell.
Having spearheaded the RPVB's 2001 look at endorsing Council candidates, I couldn't help but think "It's about time."
OVERALL
Who won yesterday? Obviously all 6 incumbents. However, what political grouping?
4 of the 5 candidates endorsed by Mayor Sessoms did. However, Bill DeSteph won reelection while chosen successor Dave Redmond finished 5th in the At-Large field.
Obviously not the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), as all of their challengers went down hard. As 2010 was the last chance the VBTA had to even make a half-baked challenge for Council seats (more on that later), fittingly the VBTA as an electoral farce came to an end on All Souls Day. (November 2 is All Souls Day in the Catholic Church, when we remember the dead.)
The biggest story of the day may have been the poor showing of the Council candidates endorsed by the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC). (More on that later, too.) However, time is on AAPAC's side. Yesterday was an early skirmish in a much broader and longer war.
The only clear winner yesterday was (drum roll, please) City Clerk Ruth Fraser. With all 6 incumbents returning, the old stationary can continue to be used.
VBTA
You knew I couldn't wait to beat up on my favorite whipping boys, didn't you? With Obama's reelection effort almost certain to drive a huge minority turnout in 2012, any VBTA Council challenges will be stillborn next time out. Most of the angry old men who comprise the VBTA's inner circle will have aged out by 2014. Therefore, 2010 was their last chance to make a Council splash and they largely blew it.
The poll workers pushing the slate of Bill DeSteph, John Moss, and Toni Hedrick yesterday were using sample ballots from the Hampton Roads TEA Party (HRTP). It's telling that they admit that the VBTA brand is ballot box poison for a candidate.
Their astonishing faux pas of the day was further down the sample ballot. They called for the defeat of all three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. That's right: they openly opposed tax waivers for veterans 100% disabled in the line of duty, in this Navy town! That had to be dead weight on their Council candidates!
If you want proof positive of what a joke the VBTA is, George Furman received more votes (31,338) in Bayside District than Hedrick (29,229) did in Lynnhaven. Furman didn't even actively campaign as such until a month out, and had no visible organization. Yet Furman got 2,109 more votes than Hedrick!
How will the VBTA react? We get a hint reading the online comments to The Virginian-Pravda story about the election results. First Reid Greenmun posted a disjointed blathering about the Mayor and Vice Mayor promising a light rail referendum. (Not a word about the candidate loses.) Then Ben Krause repeated his same campaign talking points about Jim Wood. (Yeah, that message played well.)
HOLLAND PRECINCT
Yesterday I did an all-day stint at Holland Precinct, at Holland Elementary School, primarily for Andrew Jackson. Jim Wood also asked me to distribute his lit, which I did with Andrew's permission.
I started the day with a Jackson palm card and the Wood piece. Running out of Jackson cards about 10 A.M., I then switched that off to the African-American Political Action Council (AAPAC) sample ballot for the remainder of the day.
Poll workers from the Republican Party of Virginia Beach (RPVB) and HRTP were there for the three busier periods of the day (morning, lunch, and evening). The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) and Kenny Golden campaign had people there morning and evening. Barbara Henley's Council campaign had someone there for lunch and the evening. The firefighters union had firemen there periodically during the day.
Such a day always has it's fun moments. The bizarre one was when the Democratic worker called for a Constitutional amendment prohibiting corporate campaign donations, labeling contributions by corporations "fascism". The most humorous one was using the restrooms at the elementary school. Designed for small children, the urinals are mounted low and the sink even lower. That led a retired sailor to exclaim, "Adjust your aim!" The warm moment was realizing five of us poll workers were Catholic. (We should have brought our rosary beads.)
CANDIDATE APPEARANCES
Todd Davidson came for about 90 minutes at midday, and his time made for some of the better conversation of the day.
He also got corrected a comical problem: the school had it's SOL accreditation flag up the flagpole upside down. (Our Navy veteran had tried to get it fixed earlier, but to no avail.) School Board member Davidson charged into the Office, and within a few minutes a custodian was out to get it right.
James Cabiness and his wife came to vote just before Noon. (Yes, he lives in Holland Precinct.)
George Furman spent about 25 minutes there after 5 P.M. I tried to explain to him that he was getting it wrong. (Hey, it was late enough in the day that the advice was useless.) A candidate is suppose to spend a few hours at a few targeted precincts during the day, but he was trying to hop around a number of them quickly. Anyway, my words went over his head.
AAPAC
I'm always happy to do work for my best friends. Their cause is just, right, and will empower the vast majority of residents. Not only did that take me to Holland Precinct yesterday, but I wrote some basic poll working pointers for the Jackson Campaign last week. As for Andrew, at most I hoped he could slip into the 2nd Place spot in the At-Large field. In the least I wanted to beat a Kool-Aid chugger or two.
Yesterday was a mess. Not only did Tanya Bullock lose, but Jackson (6th) and Cabiness (7th) finished in the last two slots of the At-Large field. Virginia Beach continues to be diversity-challenged.
My consolation is what happened in Holland Precinct. Andrew finished 2nd, just one vote behind Rita Sweet Bellitto. Also, Tanya won Holland. (Her name was at the top of the AAPAC sample ballot.)
We lost a battle, but the war continues. Quite the contrary of the VBTA, our numbers are growing daily. It's not a question of "if" we win, but "when" we win.
PARTISANSHIP
The long version of the Democratic sample ballot had a section "Friends of the Democratic Party", which encouraged people to vote for a given list of City Council and School Board candidates. Also, Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) Chair Susan Mariner e-mailed out the list on Monday.
Republican poll workers had a list of Council and School Board candidates endorsed by Governor Bob McDonnell.
Having spearheaded the RPVB's 2001 look at endorsing Council candidates, I couldn't help but think "It's about time."
Friday, August 27, 2010
TDCHR August 26, 2010
The Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR), the governing board of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), met on Thursday afternoon at HRT Headquarters in Hampton. The meeting ran about 100 minutes, long for a TDCHR meeting. (They usually run about an hour.)
The lengthy discussion was on how HRT finances it's operations. Federal aid normally doesn't reach HRT until the 11th month (August) of the Federal fiscal year. That forces HRT to take out a calendar year Line of Credit to borrow against the Federal funds until they arrive. Currently the Line of Credit is $20 million, but Light Rail will require about an additional $7 million. Also, the Federal government has a program under which agencies (like HRT) can apply to receive 5/12ths of their money early, but that HRT has never used before. Like with the Line of Credit, there is a cost involved in the 5/12ths program. Currently the cities are billed quarterly for HRT services, and one Commissioner suggested they pay 100% up front so that cash would be available until Federal funds arrive. However, given the financial state of our cities, they're unlikely to agree to such a change.
Commission recognitions were given to 4 Commissioners who recently departed: James Holley of Portsmouth, Randy Wright of Norfolk, plus Grace Routten and Paige Washington of Hampton. Wright and Routten were on hand to receive their plaques. Also, a video was shown, Randy Wright: The Mobilizer. Wright was chuckling at a few of the older photos of himself in it.
Routten will now become an alternate Commissioner for Hampton. The two new Commissioners are George Wallace and Will Moffett.
Ridership was down 0.92% in July compared to July, 2009. However, July, 2010 had one fewer weekday than July, 2009. Given that HRT carries 50k passengers on an average weekday, that in itself could explain the 13k drop.
HRT finished July $905,699 ahead of Budget, but interim CFO David Sullivan warned against getting too excited over the first month in the fiscal year.
Norfolk light rail is 91% complete, with HRT in discussions with the contractor who is to electrify the track through downtown.
A contract with TMD for the efficiencies study was approved. The study will look at Resource Effectiveness and Resource Use Efficiency with service, scheduling, and Operators. It is hoped to have a minimal impact on current riders. The target figure is $3 million in efficiencies, the same amount a fare increase to $2 would have brought in.
In turn, should that much in efficiencies be found, a fare increase can then be pursued primarily as a means to improve our region's sorely inadequate bus service.
Commissioner Charles Whitehurst of Portsmouth called for the TDCHR to hold a Retreat, and Chairman Paul Riddick of Norfolk was asked to schedule one "in a couple of months". The TDCHR's last Retreat was in November, 2008 at the Marriott in downtown Norfolk.
The lengthy discussion was on how HRT finances it's operations. Federal aid normally doesn't reach HRT until the 11th month (August) of the Federal fiscal year. That forces HRT to take out a calendar year Line of Credit to borrow against the Federal funds until they arrive. Currently the Line of Credit is $20 million, but Light Rail will require about an additional $7 million. Also, the Federal government has a program under which agencies (like HRT) can apply to receive 5/12ths of their money early, but that HRT has never used before. Like with the Line of Credit, there is a cost involved in the 5/12ths program. Currently the cities are billed quarterly for HRT services, and one Commissioner suggested they pay 100% up front so that cash would be available until Federal funds arrive. However, given the financial state of our cities, they're unlikely to agree to such a change.
Commission recognitions were given to 4 Commissioners who recently departed: James Holley of Portsmouth, Randy Wright of Norfolk, plus Grace Routten and Paige Washington of Hampton. Wright and Routten were on hand to receive their plaques. Also, a video was shown, Randy Wright: The Mobilizer. Wright was chuckling at a few of the older photos of himself in it.
Routten will now become an alternate Commissioner for Hampton. The two new Commissioners are George Wallace and Will Moffett.
Ridership was down 0.92% in July compared to July, 2009. However, July, 2010 had one fewer weekday than July, 2009. Given that HRT carries 50k passengers on an average weekday, that in itself could explain the 13k drop.
HRT finished July $905,699 ahead of Budget, but interim CFO David Sullivan warned against getting too excited over the first month in the fiscal year.
Norfolk light rail is 91% complete, with HRT in discussions with the contractor who is to electrify the track through downtown.
A contract with TMD for the efficiencies study was approved. The study will look at Resource Effectiveness and Resource Use Efficiency with service, scheduling, and Operators. It is hoped to have a minimal impact on current riders. The target figure is $3 million in efficiencies, the same amount a fare increase to $2 would have brought in.
In turn, should that much in efficiencies be found, a fare increase can then be pursued primarily as a means to improve our region's sorely inadequate bus service.
Commissioner Charles Whitehurst of Portsmouth called for the TDCHR to hold a Retreat, and Chairman Paul Riddick of Norfolk was asked to schedule one "in a couple of months". The TDCHR's last Retreat was in November, 2008 at the Marriott in downtown Norfolk.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
2010 Community Legislative Package Meeting
This evening was the annual meeting for Virginia Beach's Community Legislative Package, held at the convention center. 8 City Council members were there: Will Sessoms, Jim Wood, John Uhrin, Barbara Henley, Harry Diezel, Rosemary Wilson, Bill DeSteph, and Rita Sweet Bellitto. From the General Assembly: Ron "Landslide" Villanueva, Jeff McWaters, Harry Blevins, Barry Knight, Chris Stolle, Frank Wagner, Ralph Northam, Yvonne Miller, and a Legislative Aide of Sal Iaquinto's. A number of City Staff were present. Some School Board members were there.
What wasn't present were many members of the general public. I told a few coming in I was concerned about how many the 2nd District Congressional Debate was going to draw off. We got less than 20% of what the City had prepared for. However, the smaller group meant more substance, not to mention plenty of brownies and cookies for those who did show up.
Military Affairs centered on JFCOM. Frank Wagner stated the Department of Defense would need a change in Federal law to abolish JFCOM. Also, the Navy has stated that not only will no new commands be recommended for Hampton Roads until we tackle our transportation problems, but they'll probably start drawing down current forces if we don't.
Speaking of Transportation, the bad news is that there is no new news. Wagner spoke of potential revenue from ABC privatization and tolls on I-95 at the North Carolina border, but that's it. No one in the delegation anticipates new fees or taxes for transportation.
Virginia Beach Vision presented it's five priority issues: intergovernmental relations, military affairs, local government investment, transportation, and government moving from defined benefit pensions to defined contribution pensions.
What wasn't present were many members of the general public. I told a few coming in I was concerned about how many the 2nd District Congressional Debate was going to draw off. We got less than 20% of what the City had prepared for. However, the smaller group meant more substance, not to mention plenty of brownies and cookies for those who did show up.
Military Affairs centered on JFCOM. Frank Wagner stated the Department of Defense would need a change in Federal law to abolish JFCOM. Also, the Navy has stated that not only will no new commands be recommended for Hampton Roads until we tackle our transportation problems, but they'll probably start drawing down current forces if we don't.
Speaking of Transportation, the bad news is that there is no new news. Wagner spoke of potential revenue from ABC privatization and tolls on I-95 at the North Carolina border, but that's it. No one in the delegation anticipates new fees or taxes for transportation.
Virginia Beach Vision presented it's five priority issues: intergovernmental relations, military affairs, local government investment, transportation, and government moving from defined benefit pensions to defined contribution pensions.
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