EDITORIAL

BECOME POLITICALLY ACTIVE

By
John Hlade, Director Waukegan Park District

As park and recreation professionals, many of us don't take the time to talk with members of the Illinois Legislature. Have you been contacted recently by your State Senator or Representative concerning a bill or bills before the legislature? These and other such questions have been of concern to me over the past years, even though I have not made the concerted effort to remain in constant communication with State and Federal legislators.

Identifying with park districts in the geographical area of Lake County, the following was offered at a meeting held on October 19, 1973, to initiate an ongoing program:

1. Create an educational vehicle for Lake County legislators specifically employing Park & Recreation issues.

2. Act as liaison to Lake County legislators concerning the Park & Recreation needs of Lake County.

a. Investigate all State & Federal funding avenues.

3. Work together to assist each other in personal contact with Lake County legislators, so that each can make the needs of their own community known.

4. Provide a channel for Lake County Park & Recreation Directors to become familiar with the inner workings of State government.

5. Develop a stronger position on Park & Recreation legislation, emphasizing to Lake County legislators a united effort and continuity, whenever possible. Seven park districts were represented at this initial meeting:

Pete Bioletto, Foss Park District (North Chicago)
Alex Marx, Mundelein Park District
Ted Kavadas, Park District of Highland Park
Glen Holzmer, Lake Bluff Park District
Stan Crosland, Buffalo Grove Park District
Jerry Soesbe, Lake County Forest Preserve
John Hiade, Waukegan Park District
Gerald Oakes, Waukegan Park District

The general consensus in this discussion meeting centered around the lack of funds and the failure of the legislators to recognize the real purpose of park districts. All park districts need more money, yet year after year small tax increase legislation is defeated. A suggestion to study in-depth how other agencies are funded was agreed to by all present. It was also the opinion of those present that the legislators are not really aware of the park districts function, finance and capability. With a multitude of changes affecting schools, states, counties, cities, etc; coupled with the many diverse programs throughout the country, park districts seem to be stifled in their growth.

To proceed with a means of closer communication with our Lake County legislators, it was agreed that an evening dinner meeting be set within three or four weeks, for park district commissioners, staff and Lake County legislators; and that steps be taken to insure this as a regular practice.

Also discussed was the possibility of introducing a proposal to the IPRS and IAPD legislative committees; the formation of a Governor's study commission on parks and recreation in Illinois, to bring into proper focus the impact of leisure in Illinois and how it affects the local park district.

If park districts are to progress, we as commissioners and staff must become more "politically active." The personal contact, actually closing the communication gap, is a priority that must not be neglected. For too long contact has been minimal, occurring only when necessitated. The time is now, to accelerate, to gain the momentum which will elevate parks and recreation services on the level of community service that is shared by schools and cities.

Are you ready for that challenge?

Illinois Parks and Recreation 16 March/April, 1974