Park closures hit hard in the Sauk Valley

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Gov. Rod Blagojevich called himself "a great governor" Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. A day later, this "great governor" let the ax fall on the Sauk Valley. Three state parks will close Nov. 1 - Castle Rock State Park and Lowden State Park along the Rock River near Oregon, and Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park covering Whiteside and Bureau counties. These closures are part of a larger move to cut millions in spending by closing eight other state parks and 13 state historic sites. This action hurts our region's ability to attract tourists and their dollars. It hurts our region's ability to provide recreational opportunities for local residents. It hurts - period. A "great governor" wouldn't do such a thing. A good governor wouldn't do it, either. A mediocre governor might. A poor governor definitely would. Blagojevich doesn't seem to care that his inability to work with other state Democratic leaders to solve the state's budget crisis is hurting the average Illinoisans he professes to support and defend. Park closures mean lost jobs. The Department of Natural Resources is laying off 39 employees. The cuts don't end there. Several hundred other jobs will be cut in the departments of Children and Family Services and Human Services. We're aghast that Blagojevich would close Castle Rock, one of the most unique state parks in Illinois, with fishing, boating, hiking and a great view of the Rock River from the huge rock itself. We're alarmed that Blagojevich would close Lowden, home of the Blackhawk statue, also known as "The Eternal Indian," a true landmark for Ogle County. We're appalled that Blagojevich would close Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, based in rural Sheffield, but with the feeder canal stretching from Rock Falls south through Whiteside and Bureau counties. These jewels of the Sauk Valley don't deserve such a fate. Neither do other state parks and historic sites facing closure, including the Apple River Fort in Elizabeth; Bishop Hill in Henry County, Jubilee College near Peoria, and Carl Sandburg's birthplace in Galesburg. A great governor would realize a mistake when he makes one. Gov. Blagojevich should rescind these cuts. We urge local residents to contact the governor, House speaker, Senate president, and local lawmakers and demand these cuts not be allowed to stand. Here's how to contact them: * Gov. Rod Blagojevich, 207 Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706; 217-782-6830. Also, James R. Thompson Center, Suite 16-100, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601; 312-814-2121. * House Speaker Michael Madigan, 300 Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62706; 217-782-5350. * Senate President Emil Jones Jr., 327 Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62706; 217-782-2728. * Sen. Tim Bivins, 629 N. Galena Ave., Dixon, IL 61021; 815-284-0045. * Rep. Jerry Mitchell, 100 E. Fifth St., Rock Falls, IL 61071; 815-625-0820. A governor should be judged by what he does, not what he says. In the wake of these park closures, the governor's self-aggrandizing words spoken in Denver ring mighty hollow in the Sauk Valley.