Powell

Dust off your January, 1982 issue of the Illinois Parks and Recreation magazine and turn to pages 12 and 13. Re-read the messages from Presidents Robin Hall (IPRA) and Peter Koukos (IAPD).

The challenge to you to become more legislatively aware was clearly spelled out. How did you meet that challenge? Does it really matter if your favorite candidates were elected in November? The legislators are in session in 1982-83 (new ones and old ones) and they are depending on you more than ever to keep them informed. They can't possibly sift through the mountains of paper piled on their desks each day and have a clear understanding of how their people "back home" feel about certain issues.

We as elected officials of over 300 park, forest preserve, and conservation district boards must keep several things in mind when approaching our legislators this coming year. First, we represent a lot of voters who identify with the park and recreation movement in a very positive way. At the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Congress in Louisville, Kentucky last October, Mr. Hal Haskell, Chairman of the Board of NRPA, made a very interesting statement. He said, "When I was in Washington as a Representative of the State of Delaware, I made a policy of listening to nearly all suggestions offered by my people. If you came to me with a position on something related to your area of interest, I never really knew how many of YOU were out there."Think about it. You represent something positive for legislators to identify with. Are they going to listen to you? Of course they are!!

Second, be totally honest with your legislators. You will need their support and understanding on many more than just one issue. If you are asked by your representative or senator how you feel about a certain bill, and you're not sure how the bill will affect your district, communicate with Peter Murphy, IAPD Director of Governmental Services, in Springfield. He has a day to day status of every bill being considered and how it will affect you. By the way, you are paying for this service as a member of IAPD and IPRA — use it.

Third, legislators don't generally view park and recreation services as needing additional funds. They are trying to save their "voters" tax dollars and you will have to be a good salesperson to convince them that the services you offer are very important.

Fourth, this positive image we have can work against us. If we are so good and do things so well, why do we need additional funding? There are many others out there needing funds who clearly seem more deserving. We need to convince those in control of distributing State monies, that it is necessary for us to provide additional services to our (and their) people. This is a big challenge for us during the coming year.

Even more of a challenge this year than legislative awareness is commissioner awareness. Yes, each of us commissioners must become more aware of our duties and responsibilities. Each of you is regarded as a leader in your community who has accepted a special responsibility in the eyes of thousands of people. You were elected to the position of commissioner or trustee of an Illinois park, forest preserve, or conservation district by the same people who elected your legislators.

Why did you vote for your favorite legislative candidate? Was he or she simply the most popular or did you identify special leadership qualities with that person? Why did the same voters select you for your position? I'm certain that you were popular, but more important, you have earned the support and confidence of the residents (voters) because you have experienced a high level of success in your profession or field and have proven your ability to make things happen. You obviously have earned the prestige and recognition to be elected a park commissioner. Clearly, you have that ability to motivate others to take positive action because you are trusted and your opinions are valued. You help determine your district's priorities in setting goals, formulating policies, and establishing programs that will meet the present and future needs of all the residents. The success of your district is dependent upon how serious you are about your job and how effectively you handle your responsibilities. The residents expect you to respond to their every need.

So get involved! Use the power vested in you by the voters of your district. You have "clout" and probably don't realize it. Your legislators are "pros" when it comes to counting votes. You are the logical person to turn to when park and recreation legislation is on their desks. They need your advice and guidance. They want to know what bills are important to your (and their) people. They need to know what bills are not important. They need you and your voters!!

LIFE. BE IN IT.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 7 January/February 1983