So, I went to Richmond today for a VML event.  We, the gathered masses, received a briefing from the VML staff and then the Governor spoke.  Just one man’s opinion but the Governor’s speech didn’t resonate with me.  I understand that the governor is trying to do the strategy thing but I don’t think he quite understands that the whole package matters.  He talked about higher education – he wants to have thousands more kids in college so we can compete with those in emerging economies – but the fact of the matter is that the governor is still leading the assault on police, fire, rescue and education spending at the local level.

It’s a great thing to aspire to get more kids in college – we need more of it – but it is an intellectual fraud to talk about that whilst gutting local taxing authority.  Shame on you Governor.  We can’t cut our budgets an additional 10-20% – laying off teachers, police and public works folks and make our communities more successful.  Those that believe these cuts are possible – on top of the 15% we’ve already cut – with the expectation that we can still do better just aren’t living in the real world.

I did stop by Jackson Miller’s office and his LA Jessica was there (great to see you J) and she informed us that the session was going on and he wasn’t there.  So, the fam and I ran across the street to the Capitol and sat in the gallery to see the people at work.  They were debating the transportation bill (House side) while we were there.  We saw Jackson on the floor but didn’t get a chance to talk with him — the debate was grinding on.  I did send him a text asking him that he support us on the M&T tax and I hope he does.  The latest version of the bill essentially repeals the bill.  If that passes, property taxes will have to go up to offset the loss in revenue – it will be a historic transfer in tax burden to property owners both residential and commercial.

We were on our way up to see Senator Colgan when the fire alarm went off.  My back was killing me, we had to go down 6 flights of stairs and we decided to bag it and go on over the Shockoe for dinner….