At its best, they would argue, that approach to governing and lawmaking can produce breakthroughs like the budget deal Democratic Gov. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, got up on the House floor to take offense at the assertion by Del. We will take special interest in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and the myriad exemptions that allow public business to be conducted out of the public eye. The Mercury is made up of a team of veteran newspaper journalists and we commit to fair, tough reporting in the public interest. We welcome your story suggestions and feedback and hope you’ll follow along as we take a new look at Virginia’s policy, politics and people.