Jim Bishop: New year builds on the perils and promise of the past

Jim Bishop

January, typically the longest month of the year for me –financially, weather-wise and worldly-wise – seems to be moving at a brisk pace, at least so far. The hardest part comes as I finally tackle dismantling our Christmas tree, which we always put up immediately after Thanksgiving Day and leave up at least until Epiphany….

McDonnell adds to roads plans

Chris Graham

A key part of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s plan to get Virginia transportation moving would rededicate a portion of sales-tax revenues from the pot of money used to fund schools and public safety to roads projects in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. McDonnell said today that he will back legislation to move about $140 million a…

Awkward: Public stations broadcast McDonnell’s death message

Chris Graham

“I like PBS, it airs great programs, including, if I do say so myself, tonight’s speech.” Awkward moment of realization there for Gov. Bob McDonnell, who apparently plans to balance the $36 billion state budget by cutting the $4 million a year that Virginia contributes to public broadcasting. OK, it’s not that the budget needs…

McDonnell names redistricting panel

Chris Graham

Gov. Bob McDonnell on Monday signed an executive order creating the Independent Bipartisan Advisory Commission on Redistricting, though its powers are limited to a review and recommendation capacity. “As Virginia redraws its legislative districts later this year, the process should take place in a manner that is fair and open,” McDonnell said in naming the…

Staunton taking steps to reduce vulture population

AFP

Staunton city officials are taking action aimed at reducing a vulture population estimated at over 500. The city announced on Monday that it is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services Division to move vultures from residential areas in Staunton. Dispersal efforts will occur both on city property and on private property with…

Ken Plum: Opportunity for leadership

Ken Plum

As Spock in the 1991 film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country quoted “an ancient Vulcan proverb, only Nixon could go to China,” only Gov. Bob McDonnell can save Virginia’s transportation funding program from bankruptcy. Nixon had a strong anti-communist reputation. He was able to go to China and open diplomatic relations without fear of…

David Reynolds: It’s next year!

David Reynolds

Contrary to last year’s press clippings, fist fights did not break out at this year’s Lexington-Rockbridge-Buena Vista “State of the Community” breakfast. Instead it was the usual sea of harmony sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, aka the local Pollyanna Society. The breakfast proved once again that there is a media bias. Representatives from our…

Grant funds go to violence-prevention efforts

Chris Graham

Seventy-three grants, worth more than $3.1 million, have been awarded by the Criminal Justice Services Board to support programs to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence, protect children from Internet predators, and improve criminal justice services throughout the Commonwealth. Five localities that participate in one of the two Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces…