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The result has been a perpetuation of what some have called a “royal governorship” under which local officials must come to Richmond, hat in hand, to get permission to take the most elemental steps affecting their communities. A classic example of this was seen earlier this year when the localities had to get permission from the governor before they could take local water conservation measures urgently required by the drought.
While Dalton says he believes in strong local government, he opposes any constitutional changes. He says he fears that giving the boards and councils a freer hand might lead to an increase in expenditures and therefore higher taxes. He favors retaining the strong controls the governor and the General Assembly now exercise.
Jeffersonian Principle
Howell sees it differently. He cites the Jeffersonian principle that the government is best which is closest to the people and believes the state Constitution should be amended to expand the power of local government.
The attitude of the General Assembly on the question is not known, and a majority of the members would probably follow the leadership of the next governor, in either accepting changes, or in maintaining the status quo.
It was thus a valid issue, and it should have received more attention during the 1977 campaign for the governorship.
While this column was written before Tuesday’s election, it will give some indication of what we can expect from the new governor-elect with respect to his policy toward foe need for local government reform, or foe absence of such a need.
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