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Hartigan
the 278 boards, commissions, and departments to evaluate
where money is being spent and where money is being wasted.
I believe that such an audit will identify wasted resources in
State government and will free existing funds to be considered,
based on performance and results, for programs such as education and local park district needs.
In addition, available funds identified should be seriously
considered for the newly formed Illinois Conservation Park and
Recreation Foundation to assist in the procurement of additional alternative funding for our local park districts. The Foundation provides a unique opportunity for comprehensive planning, targeting key resources and identifying public, private and civic support for district needs.
As we all know, Illinois ranks 46th out of 50 states in the
dollars returned to Illinois by the federal government. As governor, I will make a personal effort to significantly increase
federal Land and Water Conservation funding to the states. Illinois needs leadership and comprehensive planning in the areas
of conservation and environmental protection.
"l am willing to work 'hand-in-hand' with
the local park districts to develop and implement methods to provide additional
funding—local impact fees are another option
for ...funding."
The state park system is an important resource for Illinois,
yet local needs are better served at the local level. I believe that
park districts have provided a great service to the state and
support the continued utilization of the current district structure.
Park districts are accountable to the populations served and the
local needs can best be ascertained by the individuals closest to
the public. Unlike many regulated activities, parks provide a
service whereby statewide controls do not account for localized
needs.
I am willing to work "hand-in-hand" with the local park
disricts to develop and implement methods to provide additional funding. For example, local impact fees are another
option for park district funding.
As you already know, I was responsible for the largest
acquisition of park lands in the history of the program-acquiring 50 new parks for Chicago and developing a strategic plan for the acquisition of 130 additional areas. I initiated the first park
district system to obtain federal grant monies providing for park
development-which served as a model for other urban communities.
I personally prosecuted cases of assault within parks,
drafted an ordinance protecting First Amendment rights of park
patrons, and have worked to ensure that the disabled are
provided access to our parks. I was honored by an award presented by Chicago Park District employees in appreciation for my work protecting employee safety.
My involvement and dedication to improved parks will
continue. And, as governor, I look forward to working with your
association.
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Edgar
to $650,000, and next year federal support may be down to zero.
With federal funds nearly gone, public officials have been
faced with two choices: tolerate a severe setback in acquisition
and development of open lands or find an alternative source of
stable funding. The problems and demands present throughout
Illinois, especially in our urban areas, made the first choice unacceptable. Leaders from your organizations and districts worked hard to fashion a workable bill in legislature. The result
was SB 1463, and it will provide a stable funding source needed
for the years ahead.
Legislators, of course, had to vote yes or no on the bill, and
Gov. Thompson had to sign it. I believe that I may be the only
other elected constitutional officer to take a position supporting
the legislation.
In addition, I drafted the final version of SB 787, which will
provide over $5 million a year for acquisition and development
of bike paths. I believe a substantial portion of the new funds
should be available to your local agencies.
The combination of these two pieces of legislation represent the kind of commitment state government needed to make.
"I would be a strong advocate for reestablishing federal programs to supplement
state and local grant programs. I believe that
the best quality of service is provided at the
local level."
As governor, I would continue to recognize the need for
stable financial support so that your districts can meet the needs
of your respectivie areas. Dependable financing is also important so that you can plan for the future and know what resources
will be available. The open space and recreational demands for
the 21st Century mean that we should not retreat from our
support for stable funding.
I would be a strong advocate for reestabilishing federal
programs to supplement state and local grant programs. In the
last decade, funds that previously went to OSLAD projects were
redirected, primarily to help offset the federal deficit. While I
am supportive of deficit reduction, it does not seem fair that all
federal dollars for the Land and Water Conservation Fund
(LWCF) have been redirected.
Pending in Congress is the American Hertiage Trust Act
that would dedicate federal dollars to LWCF. I support this
effort, and as governor would direct my staff to work for the
passage of the bill or similar legislation.
I also would expect my departments to adhere to my
philosophy of government partnership. I believe that the best
quality of service is provided at the local level. As the architect
of the state's literacy program, I became even more convinced
that state government should use local agencies. The literacy
program disperses all of its grants to local groups, and the results
have reinforced my feelings about the importance of local
delivery of services.
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