
DATE: Sunday, May 11, 1997                  TAG: 9705110077

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B7   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY WARREN FISKE, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: RICHMOND                          LENGTH:  106 lines

NO SURPRISES FROM DEMOCRATS: BEYER, PAYNE AND DOLAN NAMED

Portraying himself as a seasoned leader with a stable vision for Virginia, Lt. Gov. Donald S. Beyer Jr. on Saturday officially received the Democratic Party's nomination for governor.

``As we lead Virginia, we must choose the future over today's cheap gimmick, principle over politics,'' Beyer said during a speech in which he criticized Republican candidate James S. Gilmore's proposal to repeal the personal property taxes most Virginians pay on their cars.

``The plan he unveiled Thursday would take Virginia on a dangerous course: one that threatens our schools, law enforcement and the stability of local governments,'' said Beyer, who has argued Virginia cannot afford to lose the $650 million the tax brings in each year.

He called Gilmore's proposal ``the worst of modern political life - the choice of expediency over careful stewardship, personal ambition over a child's future.''

Beyer, a successful Alexandria Volvo dealer who has been in the state's No. 2 political position since 1990, was nominated for the top spot without opposition.

There was little suspense at the convention, attended by about 1,500 party activists from across the state. In a little more than three hours they also nominated two other unopposed candidates to round out their statewide ticket this fall: former U.S. Rep. L.F. Payne of Nelson County for lieutenant governor, and Northern Virginia lawyer William Dolan for attorney general.

Republicans will choose their ticket in a June 10 primary. Gilmore, who is now attorney general, is unopposed for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Beyer, 46, said improving education was his top priority. ``We must make Virginia schools the best in the country,'' he said.

He called for spending $400 million to raise Virginia teacher salaries to the national average. But along with better pay, Beyer said, teachers should be held to higher standards.

Beyer called for the creation of a teachers' standard board to set those guidelines. He also endorsed smaller student-to-teacher ratios for kindergarten through third grade, and more vocational training.

The Democrat pledged to continue many of the tough anti-crime programs initiated over the last four years by Republican Gov. George F. Allen.

``I see no retreat in the abolition of parole for violent offenders,'' he said. ``I can see zero tolerance for drug dealers, who poison our children and destroy our future.''

But unlike Allen, Beyer also put an emphasis on crime prevention by combating teenage pregnancy and high school dropouts, and offering early school intervention for disadvantaged youths.

Although Beyer sought to highlight a broad agenda, much of his attention was riveted on Gilmore's tax repeal, which was announced Thursday.

Beyer insisted that his modest plan for $50 million in tax relief is more responsible. The Democrat has proposed repealing the sales tax on nonprescription drugs and corporate taxes for small businesses with less than $5 million in gross annual sales and $50,000 in net profits.

``What I've proposed is a responsible course for Virginia: targeted tax cuts that we can afford, that will stimulate the economy and provide relief for people who need it most,'' he said.

Gilmore has proposed repealing the property tax over five years on personally owned cars and trucks valued at $20,000 or less. For a car appraised at $10,000, annual savings in South Hampton Roads would range from $370 in Virginia Beach to $435 in Portsmouth.

Polls show that the levy is the most unpopular tax in Virginia and that 75 percent of voters favor its repeal.

Gilmore's advisers said Beyer has underestimated future growth in Virginia and have accused the Democrat of using scare tactics in saying that the repeal would force cuts in education and other popular programs. ILLUSTRATION: ASSOCIATED PRESS photo

William Dolan, left, Donald S. Beyer Jr. and L.F. Payne join hands

as the Democratic triumvirate of nominees for state offices. Dolan

is running for attorney general; Beyer for governor; and Payne for

lieutenant governor.

Graphic

DONALD S. BEYER JR.

Lives in Alexandria with his wife, Megan; father of a son and

three daughters.

Age: 46

Education: Williams College. BA, 1972

Owner: Don Beyer Motors

Lieutenant governor since 1990; Governor's Commission on