Proposition 4 must pass to help state parks
GEORGE BRISTOL

I am taking a moment to write you about the importance of Proposition Four that will be on the ballot this Nov. 6.

Major repairs for our state parks are an essential part of the funding process necessary for a healthy and rejuvenated park system.

Of the $52 million designated for state parks, $25 million will go toward the restoration of The Battleship Texas. The other $27 million will cover some 30 state parks. While this is only a beginning on approximately $400 million needed for major repairs throughout the system over 10 years, I am amazed how much can be done for so little. It continues to fortify the fact that parks can produce huge return on investment for a relatively small infusion of cash for improvement.

Please know that there are some very worthy and necessary projects with Proposition Four which will flow to other agencies, such as those for the Department of Public Safety's new driving track and crime labs.

As much as it is important to begin funds flowing into the parks, it is equally important to know that a solid positive vote on Proposition Four, particularly with all the competing state and local bond initiatives on the ballot, will get elected officials' attention going in and during the 2009 legislative session.

We have come a long way together. By passing Proposition Four we can insure that Texans get the parks they deserve.

I cannot say that we will have completed the task. Conservation and conservation funding is a lifetime commitment for those of us who care about conserving and preserving the best of Texas.

I hope you will take this to heart and contact your friends and associates to support Proposition Four.

George Bristol is the treasurer for Texans for Proposition 4 and is the president of the Texas Coalition for Conservation.