Proposition 4 is difficult to understand
DR. MICHAEL BANKS Jacksonville

It will be very difficult for a voter to understand Proposition 4 on the state amendment ballot without some research. The wording on the ballot for Proposition 4 is "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."

If I saw this on a ballot and did not know what it is about, I would surely vote "against." But with knowing the benefits of Proposition 4, we do not want to be guilty of "throwing out the baby with the bath water."

Our baby is $52 million for needed repairs and improvements on our state parks, $42 million for historic sites repair and maintenance, and $9.5 million for Rusk State Hospital and a Crime Lab in Tyler.

And the bath water is not dirty. A total of 11 state agencies will utilize the total bond package to make needed improvements across our state. The infrastructure of many of our state facilities is in disrepair. There is a great economic return from tourism with an investment in our state parks.

A voter-approved bond is the only way the Legislature may finance state improvements. Please vote "FOR" Proposition 4. For more information you may go to www.proposition4. org.

Dr. Banks is president of Save Texas Parks.