4BETTER OR WORSE- The week in review
Shortest tenure: Embattled Charlottesville school superintendent Scottie Griffin resigns April 21 after 10 months at the helm of city schools. [More on next page–editor.]
Earliest 57th District campaign controversy: Former mayor David Toscano fires off a press release April 20 accusing opponent Clement "Kim" Tingley of conducting a push poll and calls on him to cease the "smear campaign." Tingley issues his own release that denies negative campaigning in his survey.
Worst campaign strategy: Scott W. Coleman, Waynesboro planning commission vice chair and City Council candidate, is arrested on DUI– his second– and marijuana charges April 23, the News Virginian reports.
Most historic conviction: Davey Richard Mundie of Pea Ridge Road becomes the first person in Albemarle convicted of felony dog fighting, the result of a Delegate Rob Bell bill passed in 2003, Reed Williams reports in the Daily Progress.
Worst news for Region Ten: Police charge Jamison Clyde Ripley with forcible sodomy against another man while both are living in a group home for the mentally retarded, according to another Williams story.
Biggest budget: Albemarle's Board of Supervisors approve a $255.9 million budget April 20, almost $15 million more than the current budget.
Biggest nod: The board cuts the real estate tax rate two cents, from 76 cents per $100 assessed value to 74 cents– following a 27.2 percent leap in average property values in the latest biannual assessments.
Biggest bow-out: Supervisor David Bowerman announces he won't seek a fifth term representing the Rio District on the board.
Worst party casualty: A 17-year-old girl breaks her back when she falls off the porch at a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity party early April 23 when a railing gives way. The teen reportedly was under the influence of alcohol and "with the band," according to a Cavalier Daily report.
Biggest Senate showdown: Majority Leader Bill Frist threatens to get rid of the 200-year-old filibuster for judicial nominations, and the Democrats promise to retaliate with the "nuclear option."
Hottest seat: Senator John Warner is a swing in the too-close-to-call vote, which may happen next month, which some Republicans are hesitant to support– and which a recent poll shows Americans oppose 2 to 1.
Best news for National Guard wannabes: The Guard will now consider applicants between 17 and 39 and drops that pesky GED/diploma requirement.
Newest look for Jefferson: The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia releases the 2005 nickel with an impression that makes TJ look like he has a beard.
Best time to visit TJ's house: In May, when locals in surrounding counties get in for $6 and kids under 12 for free. Bring an out-of-area visitor who pays the $14 full price and get in free.
Latest Nelson nicety: Nelson County Life debuts this month. Publishers (both former TV reporters) Tommy and Yvette Stafford promise "if-it-bleeds-it-leads" and "sensational-ambush" journalism will not appear in their magazine.
Latest Swank sighting: Million Dollar Baby Hilary Swank and husband Chad Lowe, last seen at Starbucks April 2, are spotted admiring the offerings in Nature Visionary Art gallery April 21, according to a Hook reporter.
Worst thing to leave in the car when fleeing the police: Your wallet, which James Lee Minor Jr. did April 20 after allegedly assaulting an officer and eluding escape on Pantops.
Brassiest move: The Daily Progress joins the Washington Post and the Chicago Tribune with bragging rights to its own march, courtesy of Nellysford composer Paul Richards.
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