Week in Review

WEEK'S END

We disagree with Rep. Tom Perriello's vote in favor of Pelosicare but we admire the forthright manner in which the Democrat from the 5th District addresses the issue. He occupies one of his party's most precarious seats. Openness may not enable him to overcome the GOP tide expected in next year's midterm elections, but without openness he would have no chance. This is not an act, either; it is not a cynical campaign ploy but a reflection of Perriello's personality and character. His numerous town halls during the summer recess also suggest his geniality.

School-issued laptops in Henrico have become as much a part of the scholastic routine as sports and extracurricular activities.

The Times-Dispatch's Katherine Calos reported yesterday: "Laptops in Henrico County middle schools are up for contract renewal next year, and the county is soliciting input. The current four-year contract, which ends June 30, supplies an Apple laptop computer for every middle school student. Considerations in the renewal process will include whether to stick with Apple models, switch to Windows-based computers and/or go to smaller netbooks." To ask whether the program itself reflects prudent policy or an efficient use of education dollars is to invite stares of incredulity. A few years ago laptops provoked intense debate. Now they inspire only shrugs.

An Era of Good Feelings may describe not only a historic moment in national politics (look it up) but relations between Richmond's City Council and its mayor's office. Although the councilmembers and Mayor Dwight Jones do not necessarily agree on everything, the atmosphere at City Hall has grown less rancorous. The contention of previous years encouraged thoughts of charter changes to clarify institutional relationships in Richmond's government. A more harmonious tone has put possible amendments on hold. Many will welcome the news. Warm relations also result in large part from personal characteristics and attitudes; different individuals in council seats and behind the mayor's desk could return the climate to its more heated days. If Richmond's system has structural flaws, then those flaws should be fixed in good eras or bad. We still believe that when Richmonders voted for a popularly elected mayor they also wanted a stronger chief executive than the one they received.