McDonnell lays out jobs agenda

AFP

   Staff Report News tips: [email protected] Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced that leading Republican and Democratic lawmakers will carry the budget amendments necessary to implement the job-creation proposals he outlined in his Address to the Joint Houses of the General Assembly last week. In the Senate the amendments will be carried by ranking Senate Finance…

Local authors forum in Harrisonburg

AFP

Staff Report News tips: [email protected] The community is invited to a gathering of local authors and their books on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society, 382 High St., Dayton. Following a discussion of each book, there will be a book signing. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and…

Cuccinelli names AG leadership team

Chris Graham

Former aide to Del. Lohr among those tapped Staff Report News Tips: [email protected] Attorney General-elect Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II announced his leadership team for the Office of the Attorney General today. In making his appointments, Cuccinelli commented “I, and the citizens of the Commonwealth, are fortunate to have such a talented group of people who…

In Depth | Not so elementary redistricting

Chris Graham

Waynesboro reacts to proposed reconfiguration of city elementary schools Story by Chris Graham [email protected] Westwood Hills to William Perry, then back to Westwood Hills. Two transitions in two years. That’s what Liz Barnes is facing for her son, Josh. “I’m not in the PTO, I’m not as much in the loop as I’d like to…

Two surprises in McDonnell appointments

Chris Graham

Gov.-elect appoints former Bolling rival, Kaine holdover to Cabinet posts Story by Chris Graham [email protected] A former political rival to Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and a holdover from the outgoing administration of Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine highlight the Cabinet appointments announced today by Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell. McDonnell appointed Sean Connaughton, former chairman of the…

Downtown revitalization: Time for action

Chris Graham

Column by Lorie Smith www.loriesmith.com Two weeks ago, Waynesboro held a downtown planning session. The city engaged the Redevelopment and Housing Authority to assist in creating a Downtown Revitalization Plan. Over the coming months, this plan will be formally developed and submitted for approval to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Waynesboro could…

Transcript: UVa. welcomes Mike London

Chris Graham

  Staff UVa. sports: www.virginiasports.com CRAIG LITTLEPAGE (director of athletics): Good afternoon, everybody. And we appreciate your taking time to be with us this afternoon to conduct some very important business as it relates to our football program. I want to reiterate the message that Jim brought us from President Casteen. He’s deeply disappointed that…

Worse than last year, but …

Chris Graham

  Column by David Reynolds Columns, letters: [email protected] Back during the dark ages of the 1960s, the days after Thanksgiving did not mark the beginning of the holiday season. Rather it was the start of the “Budget Season.” At the old Bureau of the Budget in the old Executive Office Building (everything was old then),…

Focus | The next step in Saxman’s political career?

Chris Graham

Pol to head up education transition Story by Chris Graham [email protected] Chris Saxman’s career in the House of Delegates is winding down. Could a new avenue be opening up with a possible job in the McDonnell administration? “Obviously that’s natural speculation,” said Saxman, who this week confirmed that he is co-chairing the Bob McDonnell transition…

Focus | Kaine marks beginning of smoking ban

Chris Graham

Three-year effort leads to statewide ban Story by Chris Graham [email protected] With AFP Video A multiyear effort that began with Gov. Tim Kaine signing in 2006 an executive order banning smoking in state buildings was realized today with the implementation of a statewide ban on smoking in most restaurants and bars. Kaine said today in…