Park closures hit hard in the Sauk Valley

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