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Officers Meet with Governor On September 25, IAPD officers met with Governor Thompson to discuss the 1981 Legislative Platform, an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Program as well as key issues affecting parks, recreation and conservation. President Barbara Straus of Olympia Fields encouraged the Governor to support a new district Arbor Day program and use park and recreation officials for various Gubernatorial appointments to Councils such as the Arts Council and the Council on Health & Physical Fitness. President-Elect Robert L. Cole of Decatur gave a current status report on federal grants and stated "our perception of the problem is that we are experiencing a reduction in federal funds . . . Federal Land, Water and Conservation Funds have not approached the authorization levels in the last 3 to 4 years. Furthermore, we do not see any major improvement in the near future. Therefore, we are researching a proposal to introduce legislation within the next 2 to 3 years that would permit districts to acquire new areas or improve existing areas and facilities under a state administered program." Legislative Conference and Regional Meetings Plan now to attend the Annual Legislative Conference and Reception on April 15 in Springfield. This will be a full day of general sessions designed to help you become a more informed advocate for parks, recreation and conservation. Time is also scheduled for you and your board to meet with your legislators. This year there is a session planned to inform you of our position statements supporting the Legislative Platform. Our impact in the future will be felt provided we keep abreast of problems or issues and provided we continue to adhere to our high principles, maintain our high standards, and keep growing and moving ahead. We must lead or we will be led. Problems are just too big for one district. With our growing membership of over 220 districts we will support our positions with strength, power and influence. We are recommending that at least one or two board members from every member district attend this most important Legislative Conference. In addition to the Legislative Conference the Director of Government Services for IAPD with the cooperation of the Joint Legislative Committee will plan five regional legislative meetings to serve as training programs for grassroots lobbying. The meetings are scheduled as follows: 1-31-81 Carbondale - Region V 2-21-81 Springfield - Region IV 3-2-81 Sterling - Region III 3-3-81 Highland Park - Region I 3-4-81 Naperville - Region II Look for further notices on these meetings. White Paper to be Completed by First of the Year One of the major purposes of IAPD is to meet the needs of our member districts—not only today but in the future. IAPD has made a commitment to a formal program of research. Dr. Joe Bannon and staff at the University of Illinois, Department of Leisure Studies are completing data collection and analysis of vital information concerning the pros and cons of park, forest preserve and conservation districts to be disseminated to the IAPD Board of Directors by the first of the year. The White Paper involved the development of 5 special reports including: Special Report #1—Public Hearings. There have been 6 public hear- See IAPD . . .Page 29 Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 November/December 1980 IAPD...From Page 25 ings to assess the general public's opinion concerning park, forest preserve and conservation district's operations. Each meeting was recorded so that the Association will have accurate records of the testimony presented. Letters were also received from individuals who were unable to attend any of the meetings. Special Report #2—The Bibliography of Literature. Dr. Joe Bannon visited the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, the National Recreation and Park Association and the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. These agencies have done work over the years that relate to special districts. Dr. Bannon spent three days with these various organizations and a research assistant has been assigned to this phase of the project. Information contained in this report will be extremely valuable to IAPD when we give testimony to members of the House and Senate and the public concerning problems of the special districts. Special Report #3—Survey of Citizens. A survey was developed and sent to regions throughout Illinois to assess public opinion regarding district operations. A systematic, random, stratified sample was used in mailing the questionnaires. Special Report #4—Survey of Commissioners. A random sample of 30 districts were selected in order to examine the activities of board members as the policy authority for their special governmental unit. Special Report #5—Comparative Study. Illinois special districts will be compared with municipalities throughout the country relevant to the delivery system for park and recreation services. The staff and Board of Directors of IAPD wish to take this opportunity to extend a deep appreciation to Dr. Joseph J. Bannon, William McKinney (assistant project director) and other staff in the Department of Leisure Studies for the information that is presented in the White Paper and supported by data that was systematically and accurately collected. These researchers have worked almost a year to elicit unbiased information. Illinois Parks and Recreation 29 November/December 1980 |
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