VOTERS CAN GIVE PARKS NEEDED FUNDING NOVEMBER 6.
Early voting for the November 6th General Election begins Monday, October 22, and continues until Friday, November 3. Voters across the state will have the opportunity to vote for an amendment (Proposition 4) to the Texas Constitution that will allow bonds to be sold to finance repairs and improvements at state parks. Also, Harris County has a bond proposal for more funding for county parks.
Park People’s recent newsletter says:
“We discovered that many Houston area voters care a great deal about the state park system during the last legislative session. We have three wonderful state parks in the greater Houston area, including San Jacinto Battleground, Brazos Bend State Park, and Galveston Island State Park. After a cliff-hanging effort to increase the funding for state parks, we declared victory at the end of May.
For Texas state parks to have access to all of the funds appropriated to them by the 80th Texas Legislature, Texas voters must go to the polls on November 6 and approve “Proposition 4†– a proposed constitutional amendment that will result in $52 million becoming available to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to spend during the 2008/2009 biennium for major park repairs. $25 million of that sum will go for repairs to the Battleship Texas. In addition to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 8 other state agencies will benefit from the passage of Proposition 4.â€
Please note that Proposition 4 doesn’t say anything about parks. It reads: “”The constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for maintenance, improvement, repair, and construction projects and for the purchase of needed equipment.”
The Texas League of Conservation Voters, as well as many other groups, has endorsed Proposition 4. Details of the budget for park repairs can be seen at the Texas State Parks website.
The Park People newsletter also recommends a vote for Proposition 2 in the Harris County portion of the ballot, saying, “Proposition 2 will authorize $95 million for county parks. As many of you know, the County not only builds wonderful county parks, but also acts as a partner for many improvements to City parks. This money will result in new and improved parks throughout Harris County.â€
For information about candidates for Houston city offices, join Houston Sierra Club and Citizens’ Environmental Coalition at a candidates’ forum on the future of Houston’s environment this evening (Friday, October 19) at 7 pm in the first floor meeting room at 3015 Richmond. Candidates for City of Houston offices will be given questions about air quality, parks, transportation and recycling in advance and be asked to speak for three minutes about those questions. There will also be information about the various state, county and HISD bond proposals. Wine, cheese, and other refreshments will be served. The event is free. All city candidates are invited to participate. Any voter who is eligible to vote on November 6 may vote early. In Harris County, there are 33 early voting locations. A voter may vote in person at any early voting location, but on Election Day must register where he or she is registered to vote. For early voting locations and hours in Harris County, see the Harris Votes website. In other counties, contact your county clerks office.
For more information:
BOND PROPOSALS ON NOV. 6 BALLOT RUN THE GAMUT