Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Voice of the People: Don't celebrate 100 years of state parks by trashing them

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Letter to the editor

It is difficult to believe the political connections of Pavilion Partners had nothing to do with signing such a favorable long term lease with the DNR of such beautiful and valuable property at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Liquor was banned for twenty-five years at the park because of violence, but this lease would give them a highly profitable monopoly to sell alcohol there if they obtain the proper permits. This is not just about having a glass of wine at a fine dinner. Alcohol sales imperil the safety and quality of the park.

It may very well be cheaper to pay Pavilion Partners back the money they have invested now rather than later. If Pavilion Partners are unable to continue to sell alcohol in the park the way they intend, (perhaps bad violence recurs) they can break the lease. In a few years, the State would have to pay them back a larger sum of money than they would have invested, and also have to remove or maintain a large, glass windowed white elephant banquet center. Citizens have been told there has not been money to maintain the Pavilion, even though millions in profits have been sent away from our Park.

None of the other State Parks have bars. Adding bars to Indiana Dunes State Park is like building a bar in a playground. Will watching children and young women on the beach be entertainment for those idling away time drinking at the bar on the Pavilion roof top?

The public has spoken overwhelmingly that they do not want alcohol reintroduced into the Park. HB 1247, co-authored by Representative Tom Dermody, would circumvent the will of the public, as well as alcohol permitting authority of the agency now called the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, established over 80 years ago.

None of this would have happened had Governor Pence and his appointed Director of the Department of Natural Resources, attorney Cameron Clark, formerly of the law firm, Clark, Quinn, Moses, Scott & Grahn, remembered the purpose of the state parks, namely “to preserve a primitive landscape in its natural condition for the public’s use and enjoyment.” This commercialization sets a horrible precedent for all of our state parks.

What is the purpose of a resolution congratulating Indiana State Parks on its 100th anniversary while this is happening?

Schemes to exploit our State Parks and natural resources for profit are unacceptable. Our legislators should finally commit to properly funding the Parks and the Department of Natural Resources. All of our common public natural treasures and resources deserve protection rather than exploitation and destruction for profit.

HB 1247 will be heard before the Public Policy Committee, chaired by Representative Dermody this Wednesday, January 27, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.

Please email Representative Dermody at h20@iga.in.gov and let him know that you oppose this bill and that it would be a poor legacy. Thank you.

Julie Roesler

 

 

Posted 1/26/2016

 
 
 
 

 

 

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