Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 11, 1993 TAG: 9312110123
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROB EURE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
In an expected housecleaning, Allen sent letters asking for resignations by Jan. 15 from policy-making state workers.
Virginia voters "resoundingly expressed their desire for fundamental change in the public policy of the commonwealth" with his election, Allen wrote.
"In order to implement" that change, "I am asking you and others in policy-making positions to offer their resignations," pending acceptance by the new governor.
Allen began his letter by thanking workers for their public service and ended it suggesting that those who want to keep their jobs could apply. He enclosed an application form, due back in his office by Dec. 20.
Allen said shortly after his 18-point landslide victory Nov. 2 that he planned to replace the Democrat-appointed policy-makers with his own appointees in state government. He will become the first Republican Virginia governor since 1982.
"It's necessary to make these changes to implement the governor's agenda," said Ken Stroupe, Allen's press secretary. "The people gave Governor-elect Allen an unprecedented mandate for change and that means a changing of personnel in state government."
Since the last time the state's top job changed party hands, the governor has been given the authority to make more appointments.
During the early 1980s, the legislature granted then-Gov. Charles Robb control over more policy-making and senior administrative jobs in state government.
by CNB