WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderLt. Governor Ready for Drastic Measures if Blagojevich Doesn't Restore State Park Funds

Lt. Governor Ready for Drastic Measures if Blagojevich Doesn't Restore State Park Funds

By Samantha Ptashkin

OREGON - Groups who want to save Lowden and Castle Rock State Parks get state support. Today Lt. Governor Pat Quinn called upon the governor to approve legislation that would restore funding to eleven state parks.

If Governor Blagojevich doesn't approve this new legislation, those eleven state parks will close on November 30th. Quinn was in Oregon today.  He told the crowd, "We need to get kids out in to nature, into our state parks."

That's one reason why he fights to restore funding for Illinois state parks like Lowden and Castle Rock in Oregon. "Canoeing and kayaking and bird watching and just walking. That's what nature's all about. It renews the spirit."

Lt. Governor Quinn says saving the parks is especially necessary now. "Just take a look at the pump price, where a lot of families this summer, they couldn't take a vacation. They couldn't afford a vacation. Maybe all they can afford is going to their local state park for an afternoon."

The money for the parks would come from dozens of dedicated funds that will then go into one budget relief fund. If the governor doesn't approve the park funding, people in Oregon say they'll lose money. Some, half their annual income. But for now, they're trying to stay positive. Oregon Mayor Tom Stone says, "Power of the people. I think the people have spoken. It's like anything else. When the people speak, he's got to listen.

A website called www.saveourstateparks.org was launched just last week and a petition on it already has more than 14,500 signatures. Quinn says if the governor doesn't approve the legislation, he'll try to get a recall to get him out of office.