Monthly Archives: August 2009

I Don’t Trust You

The public sense is that money and political power have corrupted science. To combat this feeling we need to establish a science court – a real one that is paid to be neutral and is staffed by scientists and analysts that come with absolutely no strings attached. Continue reading

Posted in Environment, Feature | Comments Off on I Don’t Trust You

Reform of Local Public Finance in Virginia – Examining Impact Fees

Since the entire community presumably benefits from, for example, new schools, it would not be fair to assign the full cost of new community services to new residential development. But it is imminently fair to assign something to new development. Continue reading

Posted in Local Government, Top Story | Comments Off on Reform of Local Public Finance in Virginia – Examining Impact Fees

Unemployment Numbers Highlight Shifting Job Skill Needs

Based on the current mix of industries in Virginia, for example, about half of the jobs in Virginia require only short- or moderate-term on-the-job training that may include an additional certification along with a high school degree. Continue reading

Posted in Economy | Comments Off on Unemployment Numbers Highlight Shifting Job Skill Needs

Reform of Local Public Finance in Virginia – Part III

A five percent real estate transfer tax would allow for comprehensive reform of the Composite Index and provide an alternative source of local revenue allowing the annual levy to be reduced and more open space land to be preserved. Continue reading

Posted in Local Government | Comments Off on Reform of Local Public Finance in Virginia – Part III

Freer Markets, Not More Government, to Reform Health Care

Rather than reducing government interference and giving the greatest economic system in the world a chance to work, Congress is debating a government-run health system. There are private alternatives to government run or sponsored health care that should be implemented first. Continue reading

Posted in Feature, Health Care | Comments Off on Freer Markets, Not More Government, to Reform Health Care