New Legislative Advocacy Program

Message From CARPD President

2009 Conference Sponsors

Legislative Advocacy Program

The Board of Directors of California Association of Recreation and Park District (CARPD) recently initiated a program to influence Member District newly elected legislative representatives in Sacramento.

On January 28, 2009 CARPD initiated the Advocacy Program by hosted a reception in the Capitol Rotunda that was well received by many of the invited legislative representatives and the District representative in attendance.

In conjunction with the CSDA Special Districts Legislative Days, May 5-6 2009 we are requesting that Member Districts schedule a Capitol Office Visit with your elected representatives. The focus of the visit is basically to acquaint you and staff with your District’s Legislative Representatives in a Sacramento setting.

If you are in need of assistance with arranging a Capitol Office Visit please contact Henry Agonia, CARPD Executive Director at 916.446.2098 or email calrpds@aol.com

Message from CARPD President: Mike Limbaugh, Hesperia Recreation & Park District

April 2009

May 19 Special Ballot – Higher Taxes and Deeper Cuts

At least one thread of continuity with the Governor, as he promised when elected that he would bring issues to the voters.  Well here is another chance to again vote on an issue that has been around the States neck for several administrations; MONEY.  Seems like, ever since the State deregulated electrical power we have had nothing but deficits and wild fluctuating taxes that have had no end in sight.  Oh well let’s not be placing blame, our goal here is to reach a solution that keeps California Recreation and Park Districts as whole and can be, yeah and how do we do that?  There is probably no one solution so let’s try to understand what’s on the table.  The latest step in the State financial fiasco, Proposition 1A.  Now remember with Prop 58 we got BSA, well now with 1A we’re getting BSF.  Hold on, the Legislative Analyst office has the whole thing figured out “The fiscal effects of Prop 1A are particularly difficult to assess…..Consequently, the measures may be VERY different from one year to the next.”  Clear as mud?  The fact is the State spends more money than they collect, stop mucking around and face reality our Great State is continuously in and out of bankruptcy.  We are reading and being told that Prop 1A is a first step solution to helping the swinging budget pendulum, ok but is there anything in 1A that can protect our members from any unknown future revenue revamps or cuts? Probably not.  So, let’s try to stay knowledgeable, informed, and engaged in the process with our State elected folks and hold on for the wind and vacuum ride.  Question your local State representatives, see if they understand the States $, send emails to State Cabinet members, write letters and talk to other local elected people in your community.  The States’ budget is sick and getting it healthy again should not depend on quick fixes or special deals.  Stay involved, ask questions and in the final result cast your informed ballot, please get out and VOTE.

This month CARPD is holding our conference on April 23 -25, Environmental and Economic Sustainability for R&P Districts.  There will be plenty of interesting and informational budget, green, political, and pleasant times to be had by all.  Ralph Heim, our Legislative Advocate will be updating us on the State $ on Saturday.  Congratulations to Assembly member Mary Hayashi, CARPD Legislator of the Year, Her efforts for Keep Parks Open Coalition and commitment to public recreation will be recognized. 

Well as with any year, this year should again prove to be interesting and no matter what seems to happen around the State, One ever bright sun, Special Recreation and Park Districts throughout the State provide the communities we serve innovative, educational, inspiring, physical, challenging, rewarding and most of all FUN and ENJOYMENT for all.  See you at the CARPD 2009 Conference.