SPECIAL FEATURE

Gubernatorial Candidates Speak Out

The following questions were sent to Neil F. Hartigan and Jim Edgar:

What would be the three top goals for you to accomplish in the area of conservation, recreation and open spaces? What measures will you take to achieve more recycling of municipal solid waste? What measures will you take to support the President's policy of no net loss of wetlands? What criterion will you use for selecting the Director of the Department of Conservation? Do you support public/private funding mixes? If so, do you have an example of a sample project? How will you ensure coordination of budget and programs among all of the natural resource agencies? What are your personal recreational pursuits?

Here's how they answered:

Attorney General Neil F. Hartigan I must preface the answers by stating that my overall philosophy regarding conservation issues is based upon the understanding that our natural ecosystems can sustain only a limited amount of growth and conversion to non-natural use. Where that balance, between growth and conservation, might be settled is always a matter of debate; yet, as Governor, leadership is needed to decide what is practical and sustainable, and to set standards to determine what is in Illinois' best interests. Specific proposals to remedy the multitude of environmental and conservation problems facing our state must represent the best thinking today. I realize, however, that ours is a world of rapid (continued next page)

Secretary of State Jim Edgar I am pleased to provide answers to your questionnaire. Of all the responsibilities assumed by a Governor, stewardship of our natural resources is among the most important. One of my first actions will be to convene a Governor's Conference on recreation and conservation issues. The great conservationist, John Muir, once said, "Whenever you try to pull anything out by itself, you always find it hitched to everything else in the universe." We cannot separate environmental protection issues from conservation concerns or clean air and clean water from discussions about outdoor recreational opportunities. (continued next page)

Hartigan change and that the best ideas today can and will be replaced by better ideas tomorrow. I, therefore, plan to rely heavily upon the expertise of those closest to the various problems and issues. As I have told advocates for the disabled, women's issues, and other vital interest groups in Illinois, I will let those who know and care about the issues set the agenda. I view the Illinois Association of Park Districts as a key representative of local conservation needs. I look forward to working with you to address the conservation and outdoor recreational needs of Illinois. My commitment to parks and recreation is demonstrated by my record. 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 serves as a model for other urban communities. I personally prosecuted cases of assault within parks, drafted an ordinance protecting First Amendment "We are at a crisis on many fronts. The crisis exists due to a lack of stewardship over the last two decades...Illinois now lags behind 46 other states in terms of open lands per capita. We can do better." 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. It is my hope that I can bring about better conservation, recreation, and open space protection in Illinois. If we work together on these issues, I believe that we can and we will succeed. What would be the three top goals for you to accomplish in the area of conservation, recreation and open space? The three categories referenced (conservation, recreation and open space) are not mutually exclusive. We must ensure that we preserve the natural areas already acquired, prevent further degradation, identify and acquire natural areas in need of preservation, and develop a long-term plan to ensure that our conservation and growth needs do not conflict. The number one problem in all three areas, however, in my opinion, is another issue altogether. The primary problem is pollution of our air, water and land. I am committed to preserving and acquiring natural habitats and open space; yet, what good are rivers for recreation if one cannot swim or eat the fish from the waters? What good is our open space if we are breathing polluted air as we bike or picnic in the area? My record on preventing pollution through effective enforcement shows that I have devoted maximum resources to this problem. Controlling pollution is expensive. We need to prevent pollution and avoid having to control the problem once the damage is already done. We are at a crisis on many fronts. The crisis exists due to a (continued next page)

Edgar Our environment is like a tapestry, woven from thousands of threads of so many different, yet related, materials. If one aspect of our environment is ignored, this beautiful tapestry will begin to unravel. I am committed to protecting our environment from polluters. Quite frankly, I do not believe my opponent, as Attorney General, has established an enviable record on the environment. He has reached for headlines, bickered with the EPA, and allowed a horrendous backlog of environmental cases to grow. As Governor, I will direct an aggressive attack o those who pollute. I will protect precious natural areas, such as wetlands, remnants of glacial bogs, woodlands, and native prairie. An Edgar administration will seed greater federal funds, and I will not lose sight of the need to help park districts and forest preserves find stable sources of funding. As you examine the records of the two candidates for Governor, look beyond our rhetoric to our deeds. When Mr. Hartigan speaks to your organization, he praises the passage of SB 1463, the "I will protect precious natural areas, such as wetlands, remnants of glacial bogs, woodlands, and native prairie. An Edgar administration will seed greater federal funds, and I will not lose sight of the need to...find...funding." OSLAD funding bill. To other groups, he lists SB 1463 as an example of Gov. Thompson's bad taxes. And although he tells you SB 1463 is "significant progress," Mr. Hartigan never publicly supported the bill. I publicly supported SB 1463 and urged the Governor to sign it. I have been candid in this campaign, and I have not said one thing to one group and something else to another. What would be the three top goals for you to accomplish in the area of conservation, recreation and open space? As Governor, my goals for conservation will cover many areas, but three top goals would be: 1). Preservation and protection of habitat, natural areas, wetlands and other natural resources threatened by urbanization and development. The state must use many tools to protect areas which may be destroyed, forever. We have inventories of areas which need protection and we should move aggressively to save them. To preserve and protect threatened areas, a Governor must be willing to make tough decisions and be resourceful. The state may need to acquire areas or conservation rights. A unit of local government may need help. A private organization may play an important role. Private landowners may need state assistance to understand how they may protect land in perpetuity. These tools are available and a governor must understand them and use them. 2). Encourage greater cooperation between the Department of Conservation and local agencies such as Park Districts and Forest Preserves. I am convinced that delivery of services is best provided at the local level. Park Districts and Forest Preserves (continued next page)

Hartigan lack of stewardship over the last two decades. Prior to 1970, there was not a clear understanding of the problem. Now, we know the problems. We must identify cost-effective solutions. Illinois now lags behind 46 other states in terms of open lands per capita. We can do better. Our wetlands, prairies and other natural areas are declining and will continue to be destroyed if the state does not take the issue seriously. As Attorney General, in 1987, I issued a legal opinion that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has a duty to protect natural conditions in Illinois waters and its tributaries. IDOT continues to ignore its duty. As Attorney General, I could only issue an opinion. As Governor, I can set policy. There is a unique opportunity involved for park districts to provide leadership in the areas of open space acquisition and preservation. The state should work closely with local governments in designing an agenda to meet Illinois' open space planning needs. Whether planning is done locally, regionally or statewide, clear long-term goals and objectives must be identified and pursued. Minimum planning standards must be established. We must identify areas suitable for development and preserve those areas that are essential to maintaining valuable habitats and scenic benefits. Private landowners, however, should not have to bear the burden alone of preserving what we have decided is necessary to preserve. All parties to the planning process must be accountable to the agreed goals. This will be an important objective of the Hartigan administration. Outdoor recreation is and will be an important part of the future of Illinois. The recreational profits, however, will not be realized if the natural beauty and waters of Illinois are not preserved and improved. I hope to both improve recreational opportunities, yet, more importantly, make outdoor recreation safe in Illinois. Our rivers must be cleaned, our lakes made clear, and our parks kept clean and maintained. The upkeep, alone, for local park systems and recreational areas is becoming more and more difficult. We must ensure that we preserve the natural areas already acquired, identify and acquire natural areas in need of preservation and prevent further degradation, and develop a long-term plan to ensure that our conservation and growth needs do not conflict. What measures will you take to achieve more recycling of municipal solid waste? The three "Rs", reduction, recycling and reuse (in that order), will be the motto of the Hartigan administration. I have called for a moratorium on new landfills until local waste management plans have been submitted. Landfill permitting and planning can best be accomplished in Illinois at the local level. The State's role is to provide not only the technical assistance needed, but to enable development of the industries necessary to both recycle waste produced and to utilize recycled goods. Having sufficient markets for recycled materials is key. Markets for recycled products can be created in three ways: incentives; regulation (require specified recycled content in products, prohibit disposal of recyclable waste, etc.); and, education. I plan to bring about a 50-percent reduction of waste going to (continued next page)

Edgar have accomplished great things in Illinois and state government should support local efforts. Not only do local agencies have a "pulse" on their constituency, but state-match-dollars accomplish more with our limited financial resources. Illinois Park Districts and Forest Preserves have the finest delivery system in the country. State government should use this powerful tool. Government partnership will be a hallmark of the Edgar administration. 3). Expand open space and recreational opportunities. Particularly in our urban regions, we must strive to preserve more open spaces and greenways. This makes sense for a variety of environmental and recreation reasons. Pressure for more recreational opportunities and support by the public for these resources is growing. The OSLAD funding bill and the bike path bill which I helped pass will provide important funds to help meet this goal. But we must work together to stretch these funds and we must move aggressively. What measures will you take to achieve more recycling of municipal solid waste? There is no more pressing environmental concern than that of managing solid waste problems. More than 90 percent of our waste is currently landfilled and a scant 6 percent is recycled. The waste disposal practices we have relied on in the past cannot be continued into the future. Landfill capacity is decreasing while public opposition to landfills and incinerators is growing. Unless we effectively manage our waste stream, within five years the existing capacity of the landfills in the northern third of Illinois may be exhausted. This is a problem that cannot be ignored, hidden, or wished away. We must reduce the amount of waste generated, reuse material that would otherwise be discarded, and recycle the waste we do produce. I support a state goal of reducing our waste stream by the year 2000 to 50 percent of its current volume. Counties must prepare plans for managing solid waste; businesses must be encouraged to undergo waste management audits, and state government should lead by example as my office is already doing. One of the biggest components of solving the solid waste problems is opening markets for recycled materials. Through incentives and disincentives, markets for recycled materials must be greatly expanded. The state can buy recycled products and it can provide technical assistance to the private sector and to individual citizens. Several months ago, I called for a moratorium on incinerators, as well as for tighter controls on landfills. No incinerators or landfills should be approved unless counties have adopted comprehensive waste management plans in accordance with the State Solid Waste Management Act. What measures will you take to support the President's policy of no net loss of wetlands? An Edgar administration will be committed to protecting wetlands. Illinois already has legislation, the "Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989," that recognizes the value of wetlands and mandates a no-net-loss policy for state agencies. It is impor- (continued next page)

Hartigan landfills. We must reduce the amount of waste generated in the first place—my goal. We can recycle possibly up to 70 percent of the waste that we do produce. And, we can reuse wastes such as bottles and, consequently, avoid the need to build landfill after landfill—eventually everyone's "backyard" effected. My complete platform concerning the three "Rs" was released before Earth Day and is available through the Hartigan for Illinois campaign offices. What measures will you take to support the President's policy of no net loss of wetlands? The first step that should be taken is to require agencies, such as IDOT, to carry out its duty to protect remaining natural conditions. I blame the past inaction by IDOT on Gov. Thompson, and I do not expect Jim Edgar to take the issue any more seriously than has Thompson. In fact, the question should not be how the gubernatorial candidates will support the President's policy, but, rather, how the candidates will support the existing Illinois policy under the Illinois Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989. It took an act of the General Assembly to get IDOT to begin to "see the light", yet some duties of IDOT even now remain ignored. The second step is to identify sources of funding to develop a worthwhile acquisition program—regardless of the structure that such a program might take. Illinois made significant progress with the passage of Senate Bill 1463, establishing the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Fund. The some $14 million dedicated to the fund, however, while significant, will not provide for our total needs. Accountability for these funds and ensuring that the monies are used for the purposes intended is of utmost importance. The agency of administrative structure of such an acquisition program should be as efficient as is possible to provide for the best use of our limited dollars. I also intend to convince the Illinois congressional delegation that the President's policy of no net loss of wetlands must be translated into funding for the state and local needs. Illinois ranks 46th out of the 50 slates in the dollars returned to Illinois by the federal government. The current Illinois shortfall must change. I am studying various methods of funding, where monies might be drawn from other sources, and what long-term implications such a program might have if it becomes an independent administrative structure—the last thing Illinois needs is another state environmental agency. I hope to have a final answer for this question in the very near future. Illinois needs a wetlands preservation plan that assesses which wetlands shall be prioritized for acquisition and identify sources of funding. What criterion will you use for selecting the Director of the Department of Conservation? The Director of the Illinois Department of Conservation (IDOC) must have strong administrative skills, a record of commitment to conservation and environmental protection, and show some experience with various outdoor activities. I would ideally like to find someone with the skills listed, and who has a working understanding of the problems facing rural Illinois, the urban sprawl areas of Chicago, and other cities experiencing rapid expansion. (continued on page 25)

Edgar tant, though to complement the legislation with education and assistance programs for private landowners. One key to protecting wetlands is to identify development and land management alternatives early in the planning stages. A wetlands policy that is all stick and no carrot is unacceptable. To preserve farm wetlands, incentives such as wetland easements or property tax deferrals are preferable to bureaucratic requirements that penalize farmers and other landowners. I recognize that conflict does exist between different interest groups, each with legitimate concerns. I have proposed establishing a Water Resources and Land Use Priorities Task Force to address the wetlands concern, as well as other areas of conflicts involving natural resources. Such a group would be charged with setting an agenda for land use and water resource priorities in the decade ahead. What criterion will you use for selecting the Director of the Department of Conservation? An effective Governor must delegate responsibilities and trust the people whom he places in authority. One of the most complicated and challenging positions to be filled is the Director of Conservation. I will follow these guidelines: First, I will begin with an open mind. Second, I will ask all groups and individuals interested in conservation to recommend candidates. Third, all candidates will be given fair consideration. Fourth, the major organizations interested in and affected by conservation, will be consulted again before a final decision is made. I expect my Conservation Director to have an understanding of conservation issues and the broad array of programs under the department's domain. This person must treat all groups and factions in the conservation galaxy with fairness. The next director must also have administrative skills to lead and direct the large, multifaceted department. Finally, my appointment for Conservation Director must share my philosophy of government partnership. The best quality service is provided at the local level, and this state's conservation programs will reflect my emphasis on local delivery of services. Do you support public/private funding mixes? If so, do you have an example of a sample project? I strongly support public/private partnerships. In tight fiscal times, it makes sense to forge partnerships to accomplish mutual goals. A good example is the relationship the Department of Conservation enjoys with the Conservation Park and Recreation Foundation. The Foundation is raising private funds to support the Kids for Conservation Program, which I strongly support. Another project is the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in southern Illinois. This project involves the State, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, and Ducks Unlimited. The Nature Conservancy previously acted to protect Volo Bog and Little Black Slough, two examples of ecologically significant areas. Private organizations already provide financial support, volunteer services, and technical assistance. As Governor, I will encourage such support and strive to expand private involvement and partnerships. (continued on page 25)

Hartigan (continued from page 10) Do you support public/private funding mixes? If so, do you have an example of a sample project? Conservation and parks are prime candidates for public/ private funding. What is the harm as long as the base requirements and needs of the local or state governments are met? The Illinois Conservation Park and Recreation Foundation might provide just what we are seeking as a mechanism for improved acquisitions, and should be supported. Current cooperative efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and the Department of Conservation has put considerable resources to bear on preserving areas of the Cache River Wetlands in Southern Illinois. Land owners are compensated for the transfer of property for preservation, and the program is completely voluntary. Such successes provide incentive to expand and explore further potential opportunities for public/private cooperative efforts. The Pennsylvania Youth Corps is an example where public and private funding and resources are tapped to improve state and local services ranging from care for the elderly to work within the state and local parks. In addition, the program provides youth with the opportunity to learn the rewards of public service and feel the gratification of helping others. Acquisition programs for conservation is also an area where such public/private programs might offer worthwhile solutions to some of the problems that I discussed in question three. How will you ensure coordination of budget and program among all of the natural resources agencies? I plan to conduct management audits of all agencies with environmental or conservation responsibilities—in addition to some 278 boards, commission and departments in Illinois state government. Question six is, in fact, one of my chief complaints concerning the environmental/natural resources program in Illinois. Our environmental programs are scattered among some 15 state agencies, and our current structure makes the coordination of any program nearly impossible. I believe that we can identify wasted resources in state government and free existing funds to be considered, based on results of performance, for programs such as environment and conservation needs. I will coordinate budgets and programs by reducing the bureaucracy and duplicity that makes such coordination do difficult. What are your personal recreational pursuits? I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family walking, playing tennis, boating, and golfing.

Edgar (continued from page 10) How will you ensure coordination of budget and program among all of the natural resources agencies? In the years ahead, the state budget is going to be tight. As a new Governor, I will be free to view state programs and budgets from a fresh perspective. Before a new budget is determined, I will have all related programs reviewed to ensure that the taxpayers' funds are being spent as effectively as possible. There will be a coordinated effort on environmental and conservation programs, both in terms of function and dollars budgeted. I want duplication eliminated and programs coordinated whether they are within a single department or cross organizational lines. When my budget is being Grafted, I will be open to your comments, whether favorable or critical. Your input will be welcome. If your organization becomes concerned about a program or my approach to a problem, my door will be open. What are your personal recreational pursuits? I consider myself an outdoors person and enjoy a variety of recreation pursuits. My family and I have visited many of the State's parks and I enjoy hiking the nature trails. My son and I have hunted together and, being a history buff, I have visited nearly every historic site in Illinois. Bicycling is one of my favorite forms of recreation. It is a good way to exercise and be outside, plus it can be enjoyed by the entire family. In May, I was very pleased to cut the ribbon for the Rock Island Trail and spend time on the trail itself.