Bruins Nip Cavs in 34th District Shoot-out
As we all know, state politics is a pale and boring substitute for high school football.This afternoon, I had the privilege of watching two local high schools -- W.T. Woodson and Lake Braddock -- battle it out for the championship of the Northern Region in AAA football. The game was played at Woodson's field in Fairfax.    Since both high schools are within the 34th District, I was conflicted on where to sit.  So I spent the second half standing behind the east end zone with Thomas.  We saw a great game.Lake Braddock jumped off to a hot start despite the cool weather and muddy track.  After barely a quarter, they

Where Did the Money Go?
Like most states, Virginia is facing a severe budget deficit over the next several years.  Because of the declining economy.  Because we cannot sustain current levels of spending.  And because our tax system has too many loopholes.Everyone knows about #1.  Some people know about #2.  Very few people know about #3.So let's talk about tax cuts ...They're a lot of fun.  No politician (including me) can resist the urge to tell his listeners:  "Hey we cut your taxes this year."  It's a guaranteed applause line before any crowd.  Trust me.But tax cuts are only good if they benefit the general

Passing of Abe Pollin
Here's the story from the PostFor those of you that are not D.C.-area natives, Abe Pollin had an enormous impact on this area over the past 40+ years.  After starting several successful businesses in the District and Maryland, he became famous as a sports owner -- buying the Bullets and moving them to D.C. and then founding the Capitals as an expansion team in 1973.One of my best sports memories as a kid was watching Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes and Kevin Grevey lead the Bullets to an NBA championship in 1978 over Seattle.  (fyi, Kevin Grevey own

Long Days in Portsmouth
From the banks of the Elizabeth River, I greet you!I drove down here yesterday for the Senate Finance Retreat at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Portsmouth.  The briefing on our state budget lasted all day Thursday and carried over til lunch today.  During a break in the action, I went for a run down High Street, right through the heart of Old Town Portsmouth.  It's a pretty community which sits across the Elizabeth from its sister city of Norfolk.  The  brick sidewalks and Victorian-style houses near the River are classic Tidewater Virginia.  Now the Democratic Caucus is staying for an extra day

FCPS Faces Tough Choices
Last Monday the Fairfax delegation to the Assembly met with the County School Board and leadership of the Fairfax County Public Schools.  The news is not good.  The FCPS system is facing increased enrollment and pension costs for 2010 while revenues decline.  Even including $50 million in Federal stimulus, it will still be $162M below its 2009 baseline budget (not counting the inevitable cuts from Richmond).  When all the economic factors are added in, FCPS could face a 10% shortfall from its current $2.2 billion annual budget.Here are some of the cost-cutting options laid out by FCPS staff last week:1.  Incr