
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, October 29, 1995                   TAG: 9510300032
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

ALLEN OFFERS WORKERS DAYS OFF

Gov. George Allen is offering state employees extra time off during the holiday season, but workers and Democrats dismiss it as a desperate ploy by the Republican to influence workers' votes in the Nov. 7 elections.

In a two-page memorandum that will accompany state employees' paychecks distributed Wednesday - six days before the elections - Allen announces that workers will get three more days off between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Allen spokesman Ken Stroupe said his boss isn't trying to sway a state employee vote that could be crucial in several House and Senate races. It's only to reward workers - many of whom believe the governor has treated them badly - for their ``dedication and hard work'' during a ``transitional period.''

The administration's detractors branded Allen's announcement a cynical effort to win over the bureaucrats who perceive the governor as politicizing the work force and managing it by fear.

``It's Santa Claus all over again,'' said Speaker of the House Thomas Moss of Norfolk. ``It's so blatant, so transparent. He's wearing a Santa suit.''

The Allen memo, which was obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, says state employees will pick up an extra half-day off on Nov. 22, when government offices will close at noon. Offices also will close the day after Christmas and at noon on the Friday before Christmas.

Plus, employees may take an additional day of holiday leave on one of four days - Wednesday, Dec. 27; Thursday, Dec. 28; Friday, Dec. 29; or Tuesday, Jan. 2.

by CNB