The Senate of Virginia’s Privileges & Elections Committee held a vote today on whether to remove UVA Board of Visitors Rector Helen Dragas from the block of nominees to be confirmed, and the motion failed, on a 12–3 vote. That means that her confirmation will be bound up in the confirmations of lots of other nominees, which is to say that it’ll quite certainly pass the Senate. Although Sen. Creigh Deeds voted against Dragas and pleaded with other senators to do likewise, Albemarle’s other senator, Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania), voted in support of Dragas. This same process still has to repeat itself before the House Privileges and Elections Committee. The only local legislator on House P&E is Del. Steve Landes (R-Weyers Cave), who opposes Dragas’ reappointment.,
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
-
Archive for Sideblog »
Disgraceful.
Seriously sad. UVa talks a big game, but when the rubber hits the road? Its a big club. And you aint in it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsL6mKxtOlQ
The only qualification I would offer to BYo’s post above is that it’s important to distinguish between UVa-the-faculty and UVa-the-board-and-powerful-alumni. The “big club” thing doesn’t really apply to the former, not anymore.
“The “big club” thing doesn’t really apply to the former, not anymore.”?
Oh?
Tell that to someone who works for facilities.
Dear Waldo,
I was very distressed to read press reports that Senator Mark Warner exerted his considerable influence behind the scenes to keep Ms. Dragas on the Board.
I sent a comment to him yesterday expressing my dismay. I hope others will write to him.
Although I’ve strongly supported Senator Warner throughout his entire political career, I am disgusted that his alleged personal connections to Ms. Dragas apparently trump his responsiveness to a large number of his most loyal constituents.
I am virtually certain that the overwhelming majority of us attending the protests on the Lawn last summer cast our votes for Senator Warner.
His private advocacy makes me feel powerless.
I apologize to Senator Warner if the press reports I’ve based this comment on are inaccurate.
Best wishes,
Alex Leidholdt
Harrisonburg
I may note vote for his opponent, but I’ll never cast another vote for Warner. I’m really disgusted by his involvement in the Dragas affair.