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By JIM POPE
Arundel Newspaper* Writer
RICHMOND — Gov. John N. Dalton, speaking before a joint session of the General Assembly Tuesday afternoon, outlined his proposals for the first two years of his administration.
In his address he supported the consolidation of state offices, his concern for energy conservation, the protection of the state’s natural resources and the release of $10 million for Metro rail.
Gov. Dalton stressed his concern for the number of mandated programs that burden local governments.
“We must review the way local budgets are affected by current state mandated programs. I suggest a bipartisan committee appointed by the General Assembly, as well as the governor, to examine the fiscal impact of state policies on local revenues in all areas, including education,” he said.
The new governor proposed the formation of a blue ribbon, bipartisan property tax commission to recommend ways to hold down the rate of property tax increase.
Pari-mutuel betting also received Gov. Dalton’s endorsement in his Tuesday afternoon speech.
“Horse racing is a part of our heritage and it should be a part of our future,” he said.
While supporting the constitutional responsibilities of the State Corporation Commission, Gov. Dalton suggested that the responsibility for preparing the public side of a utility rate case be transferred to the executive branch.
“The case would still be judged by the SCC Commissioners, but I agree with the reasoning of the Governmental Management Commission and do not think the case should be prepared by a staff responsible to the commissioners, which is the current system.”
In keeping with his campaign pledge the governor again proposed that water from the Shenandoah River be pumped to Northern Virginia.
He also urged the State Building Code be revised "to encourage and require more energy conservation in new construction.”
A keynote of Gov. Dalton's address was his endorsement of a clean environment that could be realized with a healthy economy.
“A good trout stream is as much a benefit as one that might be more easily counted in dollars and cents.”
He proposed the establishment of a department of recreation and historic preservation by consolidating the activities of the Commission on Outdoor Recreation, the Outdoor Foundation, the Historic Landmarks Commission and the Division of Parks.
‘‘The preservation of Virginia's scenic and uniquely historic beauty must be coordinated so Virginians and their children havt* the opportunity to know the heritage that is Virginia," the governor said. the observation of our own common sense show that the people of Virginia still believe in the middle way—the way of moderation, of prudence.
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