Welcome to VB Dems! We are a community blog discussing Democratic politics in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Learn more about us and how you can participate here. Then, as Garrison Keillor says, "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch." (Disclaimer)
Live Blogs: Sen. Creigh Deeds
Del. Paula Miller
Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple
Del. Joe Bouchard
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran
2nd Congressional Candidate Glenn Nye
Podcasts: Del. David Englin
Equality Virginia Reception
March on Washington
Sen. Jim Webb
Mayor Meyera Oberndorf
Larry Roberts, Counselor to Gov. Kaine
Disclaimer
The views expressed on the blog, VB Dems, are those of the individual diarists and comment makers, and not of the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee or any other group, organization, club, or entity to which authors may belong unless otherwise specified in individual blog entries. Posts are not authorized by any candidate or committee unless otherwise specified. The opinions expressed by users of VB Dems do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrators of VB Dems.
Congressman Glenn Nye (D-Va 2nd) is at this moment hosting his First Annual Hampton Roads Veterans Job Fair in Norfolk bringing together local employers, job counselors, and veterans who are looking for work. The response has greatly exceeded expectations in a region that is faring better than most during this economic downturn. One of Nye's focuses in Washington has been bills to help create jobs for veterans. He said this job fair is another way to help bring veterans together with employers to start creating jobs in Hampton Roads now.
"Our veterans leave the military with skills and experience that can be incredibly valuable in the private sector. A lot of business owners in Hampton Roads are veterans themselves, so they know the value of hiring other vets." -- Congressman Nye.
The event will also feature the world premiere screening of a new documentary about veterans struggling to find jobs after returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a new episode of the In Their Boots documentary series about veterans readjusting to life at home after returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The episode, Vets for Hire, tells the story of three veterans struggling to find work after leaving the military. The film also discusses Congressman Nye's work to pass legislation to create a national network of Veterans Business Centers to help veterans start and run their own businesses.
The job fair is taking place at VFW Post 4809, 5728 Bartee Street in Norfolk until 5:00 PM this evening.
Virginia has received $285 million in funding for 45 Virginia highway projects, the first installment of nearly $700 million in transportation stimulus funds the state is scheduled to receive over the next year. There is about $25 million for three projects in Rep. Randy Forbes' district in Chesapeake, including the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.
No matter how many times (I think I'm up to about 7 or 8 times) I have heard VCERC's presentation on Virginia offshore wind, I learn something new. Last night's meeting of VB Mayor Sessoms' "Alternative Energy Task Force" was no exception.
Actually, the interesting info came during the Q&A after the presentation. Mayor Sessoms is serious and wants an action plan now!
I'm quoted in the Pilot in their reporting from last night's meeting. "Offshore wind energy is clean and renewable and wouldn't harm migratory bird species in the region," she said. Not my exact words... Of course, there needs to be complete environmental studies conducted but so far the area VCERC is zeroing in on has been found to be non-impactful to migratory birds.
Siting turbines off Cape May would impact migratory birds, for instance. And nobody is going to say that there are areas where there will be absolutely no impact. Thus I always like to mention how the Audubon Society supports offshore wind (here's their official position).
"As the threats of global warming loom ever larger, alternative energy sources like wind power are essential. Many new wind power projects will need to be constructed across the country as part of any serious nationwide effort to address global warming. This shift toward renewable energy is well underway. According to the American Wind Energy Association, over the past year the U.S. wind energy industry installed more than 2,400 megawatts of new power generation, making wind one of the largest sources of new power generation in the country at a time of growing electricity demand. The state of Texas recently announced its intention to become the country's wind power capital. Audubon supports the expansion of properly-sited wind power as a solution to global warming, and supports federal legislation, such as the Production Tax Credit and a Renewable Electricity Standard, which would further encourage this expansion and help to reduce pollution from fossil fuels."
Sen. Creigh Deeds, Democratic nominee for Governor, toured Norfolk businesses today to discuss the challenges that business owners face in the current economic climate. He was joined by Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot, City Treasurer Tom Moss, and Delegate Lionel Spruill (D-Chesapeake) on his first visit to South Hampton Roads since the June 9 primary.
"It's a great day to be in Hampton Roads, it's a great day to be in Norfolk. We are going to learn as much as we can today about how we can help build small businesses to help people create wealth and improve the quality of life in all of our communities. I look forward to our visit today and I look forward to a vigorous debate as this campaign progresses." - Senator Deeds
Deeds and his group toured facilities and talked with small business operators and owners on Tidewater Drive about their challenges, and about the importance of keeping Virginia's economy moving forward with common-sense leadership. The businesses spanned a broad spectrum from mental health and educational services to heavy truck sales and service; from a two person job and life skills development operation to a firm that has grown from a sole proprietorship run from the trunk of Andrea Cleaves' car to a 115 employee entrepreneurial success to a company that conducts sales and service in two Hampton Roads cities of heavy vehicles and equipment which other companies rely upon to keep their businesses rolling.
The third issue of the VB Dems e-newsletter hit In Boxes early this morning. It's a special issue all about energy! Didn't get one? Well, sign up via the button on the right sidebar here.
The Virginian-Pilot was up with its editorial yesterday ("Stealth Internet ads deserve scrutiny") about blogging and proposed FTC regulations. Two Hampton Roads political bloggers (J.R. Hoeft and Vivian Paige) had op-eds in today's Pilot on the subject.
Our motto here at VB Dems is "Blogging our way to Democratic wins in Virginia Beach". We promote Democratic candidates here. If a Democratic candidate wants to advertise here, please make the check payable to "Eileen Levandoski".
We also promote what the editors consider Democratic issues. Both David Campbell and I are hugely passionate about environmental issues. I work for the Sierra Club but I don't advertise that fact on VB Dems, but perhaps I should.
Sierra Club is both a 501(c)(3) and (c)(4), which is unique for an environmental organization. The League of Conservation Voters is the only other dual-status organization that I can think of. It presents its challenges and opportunities. A majority of my work as a Hampton Roads organizer is (c)(3) work. All my time is very carefully allotted and recorded. Realizing the threatening and watchful eye of the IRS, I would probably be fired were I not to be extremely careful with my time reporting.
Unbelievable. To say that I'm disappointed with Rep. Glenn Nye standing with GOPpers John Boehner, Eric Cantor and Michelle Bachman would be an understatement. "Too fast", he says about landmark climate legislation that we have been working on for over 3 fucking years! President Obama and Governor Kaine both urged his support. But screw that!
And what does he think he gains by voting "No"? Repugs would never support him no matter how he voted. So what does he opt to do instead? Kiss bye bye to the one and only voting block that could give him a competitive edge in a tight race. He's toast in 2010. Time to start shopping for a primary challenger!
I'm feeling optimistic about a cleaner, greener future!
Two important energy meetings coming up:
Sen. Mark Warner is hosting an energy summit that will focus on how Virginians can maximize opportunities available through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for low-income families, state and local governments, and industry.
Speakers from the U.S. Department of Energy, state agencies and private sector experts will explain how Virginians can access stimulus funds in the following areas:
- weatherization and low-income programs
- how localities can access stimulus funds
- innovation including smart grid and renewable projects.
The Energy Summit is July 10, 9am-1pm at the Hampton University Student Center Ballroom in Hampton, VA. RSVP by July 2 to rsvp@warner.senate.gov.
Mayor Will Sessoms will also hold his second Alternative Energy Task Force meeting on Monday, June 29, 6pm at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This meeting will focus on offshore wind development.
Mayor Sessoms was unable to attend the offshore wind energy workshop last month as he was in New York talking VB bond status with money people. But we know he was touting VB's tremendous renewable energy production, and look what he came home with!
City Keeps its AAA Bond Rating
The City of Virginia Beach's good reputation and strong financial practices continue to provide excellent results. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services recently assigned its AAA rating with a stable outlook to the city's series 2009 general obligation bonds, and affirmed its AAA rating on existing general obligation debt.
The agency cited the city's strong local economy that "has proven to be highly resilient through various economic cycles," and the city's "comprehensive economic development strategy that has been enhancing the city's position as a tourism and convention destination while simultaneously diversifying its economic base."
Have you called and/or emailed 2nd congressional district rep Glenn Nye yet? This vote is expected on Friday (as in tomorrow!)!
Let him know he'll be in good company supporting ACES (American Clean Energy and Security Act). The AFL-CIO endorsed it and U.S. Steelworkers interested in building wind turbines will be working Virginia's 2nd. The National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association is supporting it after some tweaks via the House Agricultural Committee. Those are just the most recent of the many endorsements for ACES.
The Virginia Democratic Coordinated Campaign will host a Unity Canvass this Saturday in Virginia Beach to celebrate our statewide and local candidates and our brand new unity ticket. This event will immediately follow the regular Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) breakfast at Mom's Kitchen, 3501 Holland Road where representatives of each of the statewide candidates will provide campaign news.
The purpose of the Coordinated Campaign event is to get local volunteers acquainted with the Combined Campaign Field Organizers and lay the groundwork for the general election effort to add another delegate to the Virginia Beach Democratic team in the General Assembly this fall. The campaigns for Delegates Bouchard (D-83rd) and Mathieson (D-21st) and the next delegate from the 82nd district, Peter Schmidt will discuss the march to November.
Who: Virginia Beach Democrats!
Where: 5101 Cleveland St, the BB&T Building.
When: Saturday, June 27th at 11 (After the VBDC Breakfast)
Contact: Aimee Collins-Mandeville or Emily Samhammer: 320.4200
President Obama has declared this week as "Clean Energy Week". His key Cabinet Secretaries will spread out across the country to host a series of Clean Energy Week events.
From the White House press release: "Clean Energy Week events will highlight the President's commitment to passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation that will generate millions of jobs, break our dependence on foreign oil, reduce the threat of deadly pollution and restore America's role as a global leader in the clean energy industry".
One such event took place in Charlottesville this morning as Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Van Jones, Obama's Special Advisor for Green Jobs (aka the Green Jobs Czar), joined Rep. Tom Perriello and other electeds highlighting a revolving loan program for energy efficiency programs which was first created through legislation authored by Creigh Deeds this past session.
Through the program, which is in development, the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle would be able to lend funds from federal and other grant sources to area residents to make their homes more energy efficient. The loans would be paid back from the energy savings that are generated by the efficiency upgrades. The federal funds would also be used to train area workers in retrofitting and energy efficiency upgrading at the local community college. Those newly skilled workers can seek employment with the local companies participating in the program. Through this innovative program, Charlottesville and Albemarle are trying to unleash the potential of clean energy jobs by not just training people for them, but by helping to create a market that will employ those who have been trained.
Creigh Deeds' legislation, SB1212, allowed the City of Charlottesville the authority to create its own clean energy financing program. This bill couched with Federal programs could provide the model for other Virginia local jurisdictions to finance development of their own renewable energy and efficiency programs.
Just how important is passage of this American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act?
It's so important that the League of Conservation Voters is calling this vote a "litmus test" and is threatening to withhold their endorsement in 2010 to any Congressperson voting against ACES.
All indications are that ACES will be up for a full House vote by Friday. Now is the time to act, especially in Virginia's 2nd congressional district where our Congressman Glenn Nye says he's still undecided.
As ClimateJess points out, "In 2006 and 2008, LCV endorsed 155 federal candidates, of whom 124 won election or reelection (number includes Al Franken)...spending millions of dollars along the way".
I don't see that LCV endorsed Glenn Nye in 2008. I do know that Thelma Drake received abysmal scores on their Legislative Scorecards. 2010 will likely be very competitive for Nye; the LCV endorsement might come in handy.
Today's Virginian-Pilot offers rebuttals to this LTE appearing on Saturday:
Rebuttals: Rep. Glenn Nye's party loyalty RE 'IS NYE a Democrat?' (letters, June 20): An elected official is employed by his constituents. If 2nd District Democratic Rep. Glenn Nye is voting the Republican way on a policy rather than Democratic, maybe it is because he disagrees with the policy. I appreciate an elected official who thinks rather than blindly goes along with the party line. We need more in Congress to vote this way. I voted for Thelma Drake, but Nye looks like he is capable of being bipartisan and a good congressman.
Dennis Wells, Chesapeake
Party or personality? If you work hard to get someone elected as the writer asserts and you believe in what he or she represents, then what does it matter what party affiliation he or she belongs to? It sounds to me like the letter writer votes party and not candidate.
Linda Wilson, Norfolk
Not an Obamo echo The writer's questioning of Rep. Nye's affiliation is frightening. If the writer's desired representative is one who votes for all things Obama, then he should probably read the Constitution.
Mark A. Bazemore, Virginia Beach
Local news reported that Bruce Smith's DUI trial had been continued from Thursday, 26 June to 9 July and mentioned that Thursday is Smith's 46th birthday, but it failed to report this morning that his arresting officer had been arrested for DUI. A Harrisonburg media outlet reported Master Police Officer Bryan K. Womble was arrested this past Saturday morning following involvement in a vehicle accident near the oceanfront. His supervisor was listed as his arresting officer.
So now, Commonwealth's Attorney Harvey Bryant has two high profile opportunities to demonstrate his law and order bona fides. 9 July for Bruce Smith and 27 July for Officer Womble.
Governor Allen selected Peter Schmidt to head the Virginia Directorate of Environmental Quality, later appointing him to the Environmental Control Board. On that basis, you could rush to the conclusion that he would be bane to environmentalists. Quite the contrary. Candidate for the House of Delegates seat in the 82nd currently held by Bob Purkey (R-Virginia Beach), he is a champion of conservation and the environment with a world view that extends beyond existential policy positions with self-serving outcomes. Credible appointees for these important positions are essential for any party.
Peter Schmidt's pragmatism, the sort of quality valued by the Republican mainstream, is balanced by his calculus for the environmental impact of human activity, the kind of perspective environmentalists and many Democrats use to frame the issue. These are the qualities that will make him a legislator who can develop and recognize bipartisan solutions that are both practical and environmentally friendly without threatening economic growth.
A member of the group "Conservationists for Warner" crafting environmental policy for the Senator during his campaign, Peter was on the energy committee. As he participated in the research for policy development he found reinforcing evidence that energy policy goes to the issue of climate change. He points out that on a per capita basis, the United States clearly contributes the greatest proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. Both the US and China produce about six billion tons of greenhouse gas per year of the about 27 billion ton global total. India is not that far behind. But on a per capita basis, we contribute six times the amount as China and 17 times that of India.
The bottom line is that we have to stop any further growth in greenhouse gasses.
A great LTE published in today's Virginian-Pilot by our own Eileen Levandoski:
"Virginia is blessed with offshore wind, which could power as much as 20% of the commonwealth. The technology for offshore wind exists today and has proven commercially viable elsewhere in the world. Each wind turbine consists of more than 8,000 parts, which translates to thousands of good-paying, secure jobs. The U.S. holds a majority of the patents involved with solar energy systems. Yet those solar energy parts are primarily produced in Europe, which drives up the costs for systems sold in the U.S. Thus, we don't see solar panels on as many homes and businesses as we should. The 'shot in the arm' investment provided by the American Clean Energy and Security Act would get these systems produced right here, right now.
Meanwhile, of all the places in the U.S., the effects of climate change are felt hardest here in Hampton Roads with billions of dollars of our assets vulnerable to sea level rise and greater storm surges. But from problems come solutions, and Virginia could be a national leader in renewable energy production. Congress must pass the ACES Act, and Rep. Glenn Nye must lead the charge."
Rep. Rob Wittman and Rep. Randy Forbes voted in favor of an amendment to shut down the Legal Services Corporation, the main federal program for providing legal representation for the poor.
"One contributor to global warming - bigger than coal mines, landfills and sewage treatment plants - is being left out of efforts by the Obama administration and House Democrats to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Belching from the nation's 170 million cattle, sheep and pigs produces about one-quarter of the methane released in the U.S. each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That makes the hoofed critters the largest source of the heat-trapping gas."
I understand the politics. Opposition from too many farm state legislators might derail significant legislation to control greenhouse gasses. It is better to pass a good law than lose a perfect one.
The opposition is purely political, not scientific. Why should this source be ignored? A tax on enteric emissions would encourage better farming practices. The price of meat would go up a little, people would eat a little less of it, they would be a little healthier, and greenhouse gasses would be reduced.
VB Dems Feed
Congressman Glenn Nye (D-Va 2nd) is at this moment hosting his First Annual Hampton Roads Veterans Job Fair in Norfolk bringing together local employers, job counselors, and veterans who are looking for work. The response has greatly exceeded expectations in a region that is faring better than most during this economic downturn. One of Nye's focuses in Washington has been bills to help create jobs for veterans. He said this job fair is another way to help bring veterans together with employers to start creating jobs in Hampton Roads now.
No matter how many times (I think I'm up to about 7 or 8 times) I have heard VCERC's presentation on Virginia offshore wind, I learn something new. Last night's meeting of VB Mayor Sessoms' "Alternative Energy Task Force" was no exception.
Sen. Creigh Deeds, Democratic nominee for Governor, toured Norfolk businesses today to discuss the challenges that business owners face in the current economic climate. He was joined by Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot, City Treasurer Tom Moss, and Delegate Lionel Spruill (D-Chesapeake) on his first visit to South Hampton Roads since the June 9 primary.
I'm feeling optimistic about a cleaner, greener future!
President Obama has declared this week as "Clean Energy Week". His key Cabinet Secretaries will spread out across the country to host a series of Clean Energy Week events.
Just how important is passage of this American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act?
Today's Virginian-Pilot offers rebuttals to 
Governor Allen selected 
A great LTE published in today's Virginian-Pilot by our own Eileen Levandoski:
