Owens’ ascension won’t lead to radical change

During Gov. Roy Romer’s 12-year tenure, his veto was often used to prevent legislation passed by the General Assembly from becoming law. It was the classic system of checks and balances. While the House and Senate both had Republican majorities, they were never sufficient for both houses to override a gubernatorial veto.

After the November election, times appear about to have changed. Gov.-elect Bill Owens is a Republican. The House of Representatives has a Republican majority of 40 to 25 elected Democrats. On the Senate side, Republicans outnumber Democrats 20-to-15. It seems that the 1999 session of the General Assembly might…