Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan has served as Illinois Attorney General since 1995, earning a distinguished record of fighting crime, protecting children and standing up on behalf of taxpayers. In addition to launching the most aggressive statewide effort in the nation to address the problem of deadly school violence, he has been nationally recognized for his success in curbing sales of ultra-violent video games to children. As Governor, Jim Ryan is determined to build the strongest children's agenda in Illinois history and to lead a crusade for excellence in education. To restore trust in government, Jim Ryan has proposed one of the most aggressive anti-corruption and ethics plans in the nation. He has also pledged to protect taxpayers by restoring fiscal discipline to state government and promote job growth by expanding economic opportunity to all Illinoisans.

Jim Ryan and his wife, Marie, live in Elmhurst. They have six children and five grandchildren.

IP&R: What is your vision for Illinois parks, conservation and recreation?

Illinois has a full mix of recreation, open space and natural areas for its citizens to enjoy. Illinois is a large state, encompassing different ecosystems. It has many beautiful areas attracting sportsmen, eco-tourists, campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The state has an important role to play preserving and protecting natural areas and providing recreational opportunities. State government, however, is only one part of our natural resources picture. In Illinois, local governments and private nonprofit organizations play an enormous role in responding to

Rod Blagojevich

Born in 1956, Rod Blagojevich graduated from Northwestern University in 1979 and Pepperdine University law school in 1983. His father came to America unable to speak English and worked in a steel plant. As Cook County Assistant States Attorney he prosecuted domestic abuse and felony weapons cases. Elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1992 and later as Congressman for the 5th District, he has fought for public safety, after-school programs, Patients' Bill of Rights, and higher nursing home standards. A former Golden Gloves boxer, Rod, wife Patricia, and five-year-old, daughter Amy live in Chicago.

IP&R: What is your vision for Illinois parks, conservation and recreation?

The cornerstones of my campaign are job opportunities, education and health. Parks, recreation and conservation are important components of each. In the 21st Century economy, jobs follow an educated labor force, and people want to locate where there is good quality of life, including recreational and natural areas. Illinois ranks only 46th among the states in the amount of preserved open space. Yet parks and open space contribute to health and well-being, provide educational opportunities in conjunction with our schools, are central to tourism (the second-largest source of jobs in the state), and also can enhance the value of residential properties.

My wife, daughter and I visited the Giant City State Park near the Shawnee National Forest. As a resident of Chicago, one of the concerns I had was that there are not as many

JIM RYAN: REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR

Jim Ryan

citizens' desires for recreation and natural areas protection.

My vision is that state government recognize and respect the important role of local park districts and forest preserves. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources must work with you to effectively leverage state, federal, local and private dollars to the greatest benefit of our state. State programs must always reflect the powerful impact of local conservation efforts and always look for partnering opportunities.

IP&R: Would you support placing a referendum on the ballot that would allow the citizens of Illinois to let their views on open space acquisition be known?

I am intrigued by your proposal and would like to sit down with your leadership to discuss it and the specifics of any particular referendum.

IP&R: Do you support a bipartisan Blue Ribbon Panel made up of members of the General Assembly to review the tax cap, its effect on local communities and take the appropriate corrective actions recommended in order for local communities to continue to be effective?

Yes. The tax cap legislation was passed more than a decade ago to respond to skyrocketing property taxes and has served its defined purpose. I recognize the law has limited the opportunity for local governmental units, such as schools and park districts to raise funds. After a decade, it is reasonable to review the impact and mechanics of the tax cap.

IP&R: SRAs serve children and adults and have many of the same goals of Department of Human Services programs. SRAS seek partial reimbursement from DHS for some SRA services. What are your views on the issue?

First, I want to express my support for the 1970 legislation that allowed these partnerships. I have spent much of my time in public service advocating for collaboration and partnerships. Such relationships serve the public by more efficiently providing services. Taxpayer dollars often are better spent and leveraged when organizations work together, rather than compete or work independently.

I understand the concern about unfunded federal mandates and would listen to your ideas about how to assist SRAs. State government should encourage partnerships and be sensitive to their needs.

IP&R: Because IAPD has a strong partnership and working relationship with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, please share the criteria you will use for selecting the director of the department.

The appointment of the IDNR director is very important and I will set high standards for this selection. My first criteria will be that the director needs to be a professional, with natural resource credentials. Second, the director needs to understand the vast array of topics and responsibilities in the department. Third, the director must see the "big picture" and how the natural resource programs fit together.

Fourth, the director must recognize the partnership we have with local conservation and recreation agencies and the need to leverage public funds through partnerships. Finally, the next director must be able to work with many organizations and units of government and have the respect of the state's natural resources community.

I will seek the opinion of your organization and ask for recommendations for the directorship and other high positions in the department.

IP&R: What initiatives would you support for additional funding for park districts and forest preserves to satisfy the growing demands of citizens for recreational facilities and services?

As Governor, there are three steps I would take to provide additional funding. First, I would restore the more than $15 Million in annual funding that was recently taken from OSLAD and the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund. Recently, the legislature and the Governor altered the formula providing real estate transfer funds to these programs and I would support legislation to reinstate the original formulas. Second, similar cuts were made in Conservation 2000 programs and I would restore full funding to these efforts, as well.

As Governor, I will establish a new $250 million natural areas and recreation funding program. This five year initiative will commit $50 million annually for expanding open space and recreation. My program responds to increasing pressure on sensitive natural areas, particularly in Northeastern Illinois, and the public demand for more recreational opportunities. Throughout Illinois, there is a need for these dollars and we must act before it is too late or prices have made acquisition cost prohibitive.

IP&R: As Attorney General, what have you accomplished for park districts and forest preserves in the state of Illinois and, ultimately, quality of life issues related to parks, recreation and conservation?

I am proud of the close relationship I have had with the Illinois Association of Park Districts. My office has reached civil litigation settlements with provisions that provide for grants to local park districts for Youth-at-Risk children. As Attorney General, I am pleased we have been able to direct settlement funds to many park districts throughout the state.

Two years ago, the IAPD initiated its "Eagle Eye" program, a neighborhood watch program for parks. I am proud to serve as the Honorary Chair of the Eagle Eye program. Parks are seen as safe havens. Eagle Eye has helped to make our parks safe, reduce vandalism and save taxpayers' money. The program is in 18 Illinois communities. Six other states now have Eagle Eye communities.

IP&R: What are your personal recreational pursuits?

I enjoy walking in our parks. The Illinois Prairie Path is located near my home, and my wife and I enjoy walking the Prairie Path. When our children were younger, my family took full advantage of the programs offered by the local park district.

My family has had another relationship with park districts. My wife, Marie, worked for a park district for 13 years. She worked on before-and-after school programs.

For more information, go to www.jimryanforgovernor.com.

Rod Blagojevich