Monday, August 4, 2014
State and Local Stories
With criticism mounting, University of Virginia officials now say they will change a proposal to stifle dissent among the Board of Visitors. University Rector George K. Martin said through a university spokesman that the current version will not last. “He permitted me to advise … that revisions to the draft would specifically address the First Amendment concerns that had been voiced,” spokesman McGregor McCance said Saturday.
Daily Progress
When you have a party, whom you invite is never as troublesome as whom you don’t. Ask Roanoke Mayor David Bowers. Bowers has put himself at odds with several council colleagues by leaving them off the invitation list to a lunch meeting with the new Virginia Tech president later this month. Bowers arranged the Aug. 27 “meet and greet” with Timothy Sands at Hotel Roanoke, and he has invited several political, education and business leaders. From city government, only Bowers, Vice Mayor David Trinkle and City Manager Chris Morrill got the nod. The remaining five council members were not even aware of the luncheon, let alone invited to such an important event, they said. City taxpayers are footing the bill. Bowers said he believed including more than three council members would constitute a public meeting under Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act, and require legal notices and that it be open to the public.
Roanoke Times
Local governments in Virginia would no longer need to advertise certain procurement notices in newspapers under a proposal being advanced by a state-appointed committee. A working group of representatives from business organizations, universities and government made the recommendation at a meeting July 23. The proposal came as part of a larger, ongoing study ordered by a joint legislative subcommittee to consider possible changes to Virginia’s public procurement policies. Under the recommendation, the state’s legal requirement that local governments advertise requests for proposals in a local print publication would be eliminated after a two-year transition period. That change could occur in 2017 if state lawmakers introduce the proposal as legislation and pass it during the 2015 General Assembly session.
Times-Dispatch
It was a clip that could make even a political opponent smile: candidate Bob McDonnell strolling down a sun-dappled sidewalk in the Northern Virginia suburb where he grew up as his kids scoot by, daughters on their way to Grandpa's, sons tossing a football and asking if he was up for a game, and ending as his wife encircles his waist with an arm as he says, "After all, we face the same challenges that you do." But after winning that 2009 election, McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, may have had their own special set of problems — or so they suggested in the first week of their trial on federal charges that they sought or accepted more than $160,000 in gifts and loans for themselves and family members from businessman Jonnie R. Williams Sr. They painted a picture of a broken marriage and the faulty judgment that so often goes along with that. And in doing so, they're raising difficult questions about how Virginia politicians and their families manage — and should manage — their personal and business affairs while in office.
Daily Press
While former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell fights for his freedom in a federal corruption case in Richmond, former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor prepares to leave office in the 7th Congressional District Aug. 18 after a stunning June primary defeat. And in Richmond, the House of Delegates and new Gov. Terry McAuliffe periodically spar over expanding Medicaid. The squabbles have left GOP delegates privately wondering if McAuliffe understands his constitutional duties while the governor laments the lack of health coverage for 400,000 Virginians. Virginia will continue to be a major player as a state in presidential politics, but has the Old Dominion receded in its influence and national prominence as a proving ground for potential presidential candidates? During the past decade, Republicans McDonnell and former governor and Sen. George Allen were touted as potential presidential timber, as was current Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, also a former governor. Now, Virginia is getting attention for the wrong reasons, scandal and political upsets.
News Virginian
Front Royal police are turning to a privately operated social media network as a possible replacement for the town's fading Neighborhood Watch program. The network's website will appear online for the first time today at http://www.Nextdoor.com. Officer Brad Pennington said the official unveiling is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the town's National Night Out event at the Main Street Gazebo area. "It's designed to get you in contact with your neighbors," Pennington said of the network. "Most of us honestly don't know our neighbors that well."
Northern Virginia Daily
Alexandria’s top staff ranks, depleted by recent retirements and resignations, were refilled Friday when city manager Rashad Young announced the appointments of four city officials to new jobs.Craig T. Fifer, who has been acting director of communications and public information since February, when Tony Castrilli left for a similar position in Fairfax County, has been appointed to director.
(Fifer is the president of VCOG’s Board of Directors)
Washington Post
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