Editorials

Norfolk retreats on petition change

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:18:20 -0500

That Norfolk's government considered making it more difficult to overturn City Council decisions or recall elected officials raises questions about the judgment in City Hall. That such substantial changes appeared on the City Council's docket without sufficient public notice or discussion inspires doubts about intentions and oversight.

'Biosimilar’ blather was all too similar

Andrew.Tran — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:26:58 -0500

The medical industry’s control of Congress isn’t exactly a secret or new. But until this month, health care companies were generally pretty good at hiding the fact that they were the ventriloquists and their pet lawmakers were the other party to that arrangement.

Tax haven upheaval brings in billions

Andrew.Tran — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:20:21 -0500

The IRS rarely evokes a warm and fuzzy feeling, but it’s difficult not to feel at least a little civic pride over this announcement from 1040 Central: The agency recently lured more than 14,700 high-dollar tax evaders out of the shadows — and into a line to pay up.

Robertson's intolerance isn't McDonnell's burden

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:05:05 -0500

It's reasonable to assume that Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell would not have attended a luncheon hosted by a Loudoun County imam earlier this year if he believed that Islam is a "violent political system" rather than a religion. Yet McDonnell is being asked to publicly denounce the Rev. Pat Robertson's latest screed against Muslims, made last week on his television show.

A giant hole in Beach budget

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:02:03 -0500

Local governments have been singing the budget blues for two years, but their song is about to take on a much more somber tone - "the sign of the weary," as Bob Dylan's "Hard Times" goes.

Report confirms mercury's spread

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:10:35 -0500

Given the number of dismal reports already stacked up at various government agencies, medical associations and environmental groups, the conclusion of a new EPA study on mercury-tainted fish wasn't surprising.

Hamilton probe should continue

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:10:32 -0500

Public trust in Virginia's elected leaders has worn dangerously thin this year thanks to the shenanigans of Phil Hamilton. He resigned his position in the House of Delegates on Sunday, a decision that leaves his Newport News constituents without representation until his successor takes office in January.

New governor's test in public education

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:08:58 -0500

Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell promised this fall to push for more charter schools and performance pay for teachers. Budget cuts and resistance from teachers and school administrators will make both goals especially challenging.

Shameful display of fiery protest

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:08:55 -0500

After an excruciating and malignant gubernatorial campaign, Virginians deserve a few months of quiet to sip herbal tea, breathe in aromatherapy and cleanse themselves of all that negativity.

Seeking escape from state computer mess

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:40:25 -0500

Northrop Grumman and a handful of top state officials are at it again, tinkering with a $2.3 billion computer contract in back-room talks that continue to undermine confidence in the state's largest public-private partnership.