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By Patrick Graham
Rappahannock New* Staff Writer
RICHMOND - George Allen, the first Republican governor in 12 years, used his fiery inauguration speech to attack his foes in the Democrat-controlled legislature as “stolid, status quo, monarchial elitists.” Gridlock seemed to loom on the horizon.
But two months later, the anticipated partisan showdown and assorted political skullduggery hardly affected the 1994 General Assembly. In fact, Allen and lawmakers describe this year’s 60-day session as one of the most productive and prolific in years.
Rappahannock County, local lawmakers say, will receive more money for schools and libraries.
Saying,“We did very well,"freshman Del. Jay Katzen (R-31st) pointed out that the county will get an additional sheriffs deputy and the state will continue funding of a veterinarian lab in Luray.
Sen. Kevin Miller said he found the session to be “very productive” for the entire state. Attracting the attention of state tax officials, Sen. Miller’s cornerstone legislation seeking tax relief for Social Security beneficiaries was tabled until next year for further study.
The so-called part-time Assembly, facing 2,700 pieces of legislation, approved a slew of landmark bills ranging from drunk driving and welfare reform to eduction disparity and hate crimes. At times oddly, both parties looking ahead to the 1995 elections found themselves championing each others’ issues.
Much of the drama and tension centered around Allen’s $163 million subsidy package for the Walt Disney Co.’s theme park in Prince William County. Even though the legislature’s 140-members, after heavy lobbying, questioned the Disney’s benefits and risks, the package won overwhelming approval.
For Allen, who staked his political career on the Disney package, its passage marked the young gover
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