Then you had better get your papers in mighty quick – the deadline is August 23.

There are surely a number of folks in the 56th House of Delegates District mulling over whether they want to do just that, with incumbent Del. Bill Janis’ announcement last week that he would run as an independent for the Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney job.

Just this morning we read that Steve Thomas, chairman of the Spotsylvania County Republican Committee, has plans to file to run in Janis’ district.

But otherwise no one is talking. We’ve been burning the phone lines looking for names but so far have come up empty.

Reports have it both parties are looking for someone to put up as a candidate for the open seat but in the conservative leaning district the Republicans should have the upper hand.
Not that their performance in picking a candidate for CA in Henrico has burnished their reputation.

One wonders who was in charge of vetting current nominee Matthew Geary, who lost support of the Henrico GOP committee after admission of an extramarital affair.

The brouhaha over that process is likely to damage the brand, so to speak and perhaps give a true independent or even a moderate Democrat a chance in a district that is usually a safe one for the GOP.

Republicans need to act swiftly to restore an image of competency and order to the nominating process. Democrats will surely attempt to take advantage of the apparent GOP disarray.

At any rate, half of Goochland County will have a new delegate come January. It remains to be seen what choices they will have in November.

Back to school already?

Remember when you were a kid and the summer vacation seem to last an eternity?

At least that’s the way I remember it. Long lazy days when it seemed the summer stretched out forever, with camp, swimming and fishing, summer baseball teams with the city leagues in Richmond, trips to the beach and maybe a part-time summer job.

Schools always worry that students will fall back on their academic skills during the summer break but I remember using part of that time to visit the local library and do some leisurely reading, reading that I didn’t have time to do during the hustle and bustle of the school year.

Then there were always the resolutions to “do better” next year – sometimes kept, sometimes broken.

This summer break has seemed to pass by at light speed, however.

Is it shorter or is it we’re just getting older and all things seemed to have speeded up?

Regardless, Goochland students return to school next Monday, that’s right, August 22, so it’s time to be on the lookout for the kids and the school buses and keep them safe.