Opinion
Letter: County ‘fortunate’ to have two state recreation sites
To the editor:
I must respectfully disagree with Mr. Wilton's letter (March 11, Page 4A) regarding possibly selling Illinois Department of Natural Resources property in Hamilton County. Personally, I think that would be a very dumb thing to do.
People in Hamilton County are very fortunate to have TWO state of Illinois sites, Hamilton County Conservation Area and the Ten Mile Creek Fish and Wildlife Area, open to the public, within Hamilton County, to all, without discrimination.
Yes, the 3,000-plus acres would bring perhaps $9 million into the state coffers if said land was sold at $3,000 per acre. Gee ... big deal. The numbskulls — no, pardon me, the elected officials — of both political parties in Springfield would (fritter) that away in a heartbeat. Hamilton County wouldn’t see any of it.
Nine million bucks wouldn’t do a thing to help solve the state’s budget mess; plus, once the land is sold, it is gone forever.
Most people can’t afford to buy their own 20- or 40-acre piece of land. People need places to go to fish, camp, hunt, picnic, look for mushrooms or just walk around with the family doing nothing — and not worry about being “run off” or having the law called on them.
Perhaps folks in Hamilton County do not realize how fortunate they are. White County has maybe 100 acres of state land, mostly along Interstate 64. Look how ruined White County is: Leased hunting has virtually shut out the public from access to private lands. That’s why so many people go to Dolan Lake and Ten Mile Creek.
I am NOT an advocate of big government. I am a conservative. I believe that the interests of the average working family far outweigh the interests of a few monied individuals who would in all likelihood use their “friends in government” connections to obtain a sweetheart land deal.
This IS Illinois, remember?
Richard Gurka
Enfield
- Opinion
-
-
Justice requires retrial of Blagojevich
As the trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich enters a new chapter, I am struck by the claim that a retrial would be a waste of taxpayer dollars and the government’s resources.
-
Letter: Maybe everyone has a little bit of ‘Blago’ in them
To the editor:
I wish to offer my congratulations to disgraced former Illinois Gov. Milorad “Rod” Blagojevich for mostly “beating the rap” in his recent trial. -
Letter: Join the Komen team to help fight cancer
To the editor:
As Fairfield Memorial Hospital and others begin fundraising for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, I would like to share some of my own personal experiences as to why this race is so important for this and other surrounding communities. -
Letter: Clear road in Dale area was a welcome sight
To the editor:
I want to express my appreciation to Twigg Township and especially to Randy Price for a job well done. -
Letter: Reunion trip brought back fond memories
To the editor,
I drove from Tennessee to McLeansboro to attend my 45th class reunion. The images along the way brought memories of my days growing up in this terrific small town with talented, hard-working and caring classmates. -
Supporting our nation’s veterans
Last week, we celebrated Independence Day, our nation's 234th birthday.
-
Wasted oil? Look at plastic bottles
As I’ve remarked so many times, McLeansboro is a town possessing some beautiful homes and buildings; our McCoy Library and the old Peoples National Bank building would be the envy of any community.
-
Cuts in new state budget significant
As the end of the fiscal year came to a close last week, the governor signed the new Illinois state budget into law.
-
Letter: Policy issues are hurting kids
To the editor:
Mr. Mitchell, in reference to your answer in the Times-Leader (“Ham. Co. Schools to change policy,” Page 1A, June 10), you still just don’t get it. I thought you, as an administrator, would at least have a clue as to the facts at hand. -
Letter: McLeansboro 1958 frozen in time for former resident
To the editor:
Growing up in McLeansboro during the 1940s and ’50s imprinted upon me the value of friends and keeping alive the memories of times and places now a part of McLeansboro’s history. - More Opinion Headlines
-
Justice requires retrial of Blagojevich
