General Assembly session a boon for city during winter months

Like crabs converging on a chicken neck, state lawmakers are descending upon Annapolis for the General Assembly opening tomorrow.

The first signs of their arrival are just that: signs. The spindly wooden placards lining state circle bear an ominous warning to seekers of elusive downtown parking spots. "No Parking until April 11, 2006."

It's General Assembly season in Annapolis, the 90 days from January to April when hotels, restaurants and bars fill up with 188 lawmakers, scores of lobbyists and thousands of average Joes and Janes. While the goal is public policy, the result is a unique buzz for a small town.

"It's the...