Park districts gather at State Capitol to share legislative concerns

Approximately 185 directors and board members from park, forest preserve and conservation agencies statewide got a first-hand view of the legislative process at the Illinois Association of Park Districts' (IAPD's) ninth annual Legislative Conference April 29 in Springfield.

Deputy Gov. Jim Reilly discusses the State's current fiscal picture and future spending priorities.

In addition to receiving up-to-date information about major State and federal issues impacting their agencies, conference participants were encouraged to take an active role in the outcome of the various measures now pending in the Illinois General Assembly and in Congress.

"Grass-roots support is vital for the passage of the bills on our legislative platform," explained IAPD Pres. Ralph Cianchetti.

"That dialogue also plays a crucial role in our efforts to pass other favorable legislation, and to oppose those measures which will have a negative impact on our programs and services.

"Our conference was a significant step toward enhancing both the legislative involvement of our members, and the economic stature of parks and recreation among lawmakers and other government officials."

The conference concluded with a reception honoring members of the 85th General Assembly.

During his keynote luncheon address. Senate Pres. Philip Rock (D-8) highlights several of the issues pending in the General Assembly, and urges conference participants to be actively involved in the legislative process. Joining Rock are (from left to right) IAPD Pres.-Elect Sandra Fernstrom, Arlington Heights Park District; IAPD Pres. Ralph Cianchetti, Park District of Highland Park; Rock; John McGovern, West Suburban Special Recreation Association and co- chair of the IAPD/IPRA Joint Legislative Committee, and Ken VanNattan, Morton Park District and Legislative Committee co-chair.

State Conservation Dir. Mark Frech outlines his department's initiatives and goals for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Addison Park District is represented by Commissioner Don Jessen (left). Parks Dir. William Tookey, State Sen. Pate Philip (R-23), Business Mgr. Virginia Clark, Commissioner Ed Jordan and Parks Supt. Marvin Wolf.

State Sen. Ralph Dunn (R-58), left, and Mike Curtis, commissioner, Carbondale Park District, enchange mutual concerns.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 6 May/June 1987

At the conference ...

Standing (left to right) are Rep. Richard Mautino (D-74), Rep. Todd Sieben (R-73) and Michael Sterba, director of the Coloma Township Park District. Seated (from the left) are Gary Hassel- bacher, commissioner, Coloma Township Park District; Robert Orsi, director, Geneseo Community Park District, and Frank Duis, director. Sterling Park District.

Don Gorman (seated), commissioner. Oak Forest Park District, joins fellow commissioners Jim Petkus, State Sen. Richard Kelly (D-39), Frank Jackson, Don Burns and Guy Gattone.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 11 May/June 1987

At the conference...

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State Rep. Terry Steczo (D-78) chats with Bonnie Noble of the Peoria Park District.

Wheaton Park District Commissioner Lois-Jean Gordon (left) and Dir. Robert "Skip" Dunsmuir meet with State Sen. Beverly Fawell (R-20). Dunsmuir is also president of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

State Sen. Adeline Geo-Karis (R-31) visits with (from the left) Alex Marx, director, Mundelein Park District; Dave LaBelle, commissioner, Zion Park District, and Zion Dir. Al Hill.

James Bambrick (left), attorney for the Lemont Township Park District, joins Dennis DeLance, director, Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department; State Rep. Jane Barnes (R-38); Lemont Commissioner Dave Garvey, and Dir. Bob Porter.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 May/June 1987