HuntingNet.com Forums - I hope you Vote, here's why...

IF YOU CARE ABOUT NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, WILDIFE HABITAT, AND FUNDING FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS,
VOTE FOR JUDY BAAR TOPINKA. HERE’S WHY!

In November, voters will cast their votes for the next Governor of Illinois in one of the most important elections Illinois conservationists will ever face. Rod Blagojevich has ignored conservation interests, raided millions of dollars intended for conservation and natural resource programs and devastated the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Never in our lifetimes has Illinois had a governor who cared so little for the environment and the Great Outdoors.

Judy Baar Topinka will restore professionalism at the IDNR, make conservation a high priority and stop raiding natural resource funds. She spoke to the Illinois Conservation Forum - Rod Blagojevich snubbed the event. Treasurer Topinka took time to address and meet with the Outdoor Writers. In 4 years, Rod Blagojevich never attended a meeting of the outdoor writers.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PROFESSIONALISM

Blagojevich cut DNR staff by more than 400, at least a 33% reduction. Professionals with years of experience were demoted or let go and replaced by inexperienced people, with no natural resource training or education. DNR has become the dumping ground for campaign contributors and political bosses.

Judy Baar Topinka will hire a natural resource professional to run the IDNR and restore the department’s reputation as a national leader on conservation issues. She has also pledged to take better care of our state parks and recreational areas – which the incumbent has ignored.

FUND RAIDS MUST STOP
Rod Blagojevich has raided more than $60 million from natural resource funds, including funds intended for habitat, open space, natural areas, trails, and state parks.

Judy Baar Topinka tried to stop the Blagojevich raids and has pledged that, as governor, she will stop the raids of natural resource funds. These funds should be used for their intended purposes.

INCREASED ACCESS FOR ILLINOIS SPORTSMEN

Illinois is ranked 48th in the nation in publicland per capita. As Governor, Judy will establish a recreational access program to expand opportunities for Illinois residents. She will involve stakeholders, and build upon other states’ successes, to create the best possible program.

Illinois already has available funds for an access initiative, but the Blagojevich administration made it very clear in meetings with constituents - they are not interested in helping residents with access to property for recreational purposes. Underscoring his lack of interest, the governor signed recreational liability legislation that did not protect anglers, campers, birders, or bicyclists.

FOREST PROTECTION

The Illinois legislature stepped in to stop the Blagojevich Administration’s devastating policy for reassessing forest lands. For years, the issued brewed, but the governor did nothing. He was willing to stand by and watch forest property taxes be raised by 5 or 6 times their historic levels.

RESPECT FOR HUNTERS AND THE 2ND AMENDMENT

Treasurer Topinka has consistently supported the 2nd Amendment and protections for law-abiding citizens to hunt and protect their lives and property. Illinois needs to enforce its current gun laws.

REESTABLISH THE ILLINOIS CONSERVATION CONGRESS

Begun by Governor Jim Edgar, Conservation Congress involved conservation stakeholders in developing conservation programs. Blagojevich cancelled the Congress. Judy Baar Topinka will bring back Conservation Congress.

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The bottom line is.....Blago MUST GO!