Monthly Archives: December 2011

Resolving the Sally Hemings Myth

Posted on December 14, 2011 by matt ohern

(This article first ran in The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, VA on December 11, 2011.) A new book raises serious doubts about the allegation that Thomas Jefferson had a sexual relationship with the enslaved Sally Hemings that produced one or … Continue reading →

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Future of Tolling at Stake in Highway Reauthorization

Posted on December 14, 2011 by matt ohern

As Virginia tries to tackle its growing traffic congestion problems, some are looking to Congress to bring more money to the table.  Bob Poole’s article below outlines what is likely to happen in Congress and how toll roads will become … Continue reading →

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Climate Change Crisis – Fraud or Reality?

Posted on December 14, 2011 by matt ohern

(Many current Virginia state government officials are skeptical of the climate change crisis rhetoric. Many local governments have bought into the climate change crisis.  This article by a Virginian brings some important issues to the forefront of this discussion.) In … Continue reading →

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Richmond Office Vacancy Rates Reflect Slow Economic Growth

Posted on December 14, 2011 by matt ohern

(This article first ran in the Richmond Times Dispatch) Commercial office space is the other shoe that many investors thought would fall and disrupt the banking system in a manner similar to housing foreclosures.  Despite the large employment losses, that … Continue reading →

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How Should we Fund “Students Without Borders?”

Posted on December 14, 2011 by matt ohern

Shortly after I was elected to the Fairfax County School Board 15 years ago, a gentleman stood up at a school budget meeting and asked, “Can’t we charge these kids for their textbooks?” The legal answer was, “No, not without … Continue reading →

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