YOUR COMMENTS

What an extraordinary, and Democratic idea. Things must be paid for. Instead of hiding appropriations in late night, after season, sessions, Democrats believe in transparency. Perhaps an end to the Republicanic deficit, credit card financing will eventually occur. You may think you got nothing from the stimulus bill but one thing for sure, you got nothing from the TARP unless you are a stock broker or banker. When was the last time you saw Bernie Maddoff in a state park?
- Bob, Deerfield

Has anyone done a forensic examination of the books? Are the parks run properly? Is the money just going for salaries, fully paid health insurance, and pensions?

If your in the red to the tune of 400k+ every year, your doing something wrong.
- john, goffstown

"The parks system, from the Seacoast to the state's northernmost reaches, help generate roughly $545 million in spending and produce $45 million in state tax revenues each year."

Did anyone critical of state funding read this line? Is it really logical to suggest that state funding of parks should be ZERO when the above-mentioned financial situation exists?

Guess what will happen as the parks deteriorate from under-funding. Guess what will happen when we close those campgrounds and other facilities. The numbers in the quoted line above will dwindle and drop and we'll be struggling to find replacement revenue sources.
- Dan, Auburn

This is too much money. Hampton needs an upgrade- it's a dump and so many people use it. But please, no "upgrades" to unspoiled land. Manchester's Livingston used to be paradise in the city. Now walks around the pond are like walks on crowded city sidewalks.
- MaryBeth, Manchester

I hope many businesses will sponsor state parks.

Many businesses are the ___ sponsor of the Boston Red Sox.

Many businesses could be the __ sponsor of state parks.

A yogurt company donated a percentage of sales to environmental causes.

I hope some businesses will consider donating a percentage of sales to state parks. If New Hampshire has better state parks, more businesses may decide to locate in New Hampshire and create jobs in New Hampshire.
- Ken Stremsky, Manchester, NH

It is disgusting and shameful that the State won't cough up any general funds for our State treasures such as State Parks.
The Legislature should be ashamed of themselves.
- Mike, Merrimack

Our parks only require minimal funding and staffing. After all, most parks are forest for pete's sake. They don't need multi-million dollar budgets. Hire a couple of park rangers, keep a few parking lots paved and you're done. If the park has camp sites or other facilities and they don't support themselves, close them. This is all very simple.
- Lorne T, Bethlehem

Deb in Derry. You've got your underfunded natural resource agencies confused. Search and rescue comes out of the Fish & Game budget and is primarily funded by OHRV, snowmobile and hunting registrations.

Sally in Candia. Yes, park generated money stays within the Parks Division. It does not go into the general fund.
- Ron, Concord

"For the past 20 years we have failed in our stewardship responsibilities for these parks"

I would say that is an understatement for sure. All I can say about supporting the parks is that they were here before we were and they should be here long after we are gone. If you don't agree with that then please do us all a favor and move away from NH.
- TJ, Bedford

The article states that the system is 'self funded'. Does that mean that ALL of the revenue generated stays in the park system, or does it go into the black hole called the general fund where the legislature can give a little back and spend the rest?
- sally, candia, nh

Self funding is not the problem. How much is the average cost of search and rescue missions? There were many this year and I'd love to see how much that took from the budget. As a matter of fact it would be nice if our leaders put the entire income and spending amounts out in the open for all to review including pension plans.

I think our parks employee's do a great job and would immagine the problem is at the government level like every other agency in finacial ruin these days by our grow government and spend, spend, spend liberals.
- Deb, Derry

The park system is unable to support itself through voluntary patronage. Taxpayers should support the park system whether they use it or not. Something just doesn't seem right about that line of thinking.

Maybe the park system could try a different business model to attract more customers. Maybe the park system could not spend more than it takes in. Maybe local businesses, that benefit from having the parks, could work with the parks to help ensure their long-term viability. I am sure that there are many possible solutions to alleviate the park's fiscal difficulties that require only voluntary support.

I have used and enjoyed New Hampshire's park system, but do not believe that involuntary support (non-patron taxpayer funding) should be in any solution.
- Herb, Hooksett

Maybe we could round up all of our lazy and untrained welfare recipients and force them to work at the parks in exchange for the check they receive?
- Melvin, Keene

Spend, spend, spend and then spend some more. Will these liberal Democrats never stop? Now its time to spend money on the state parks? Didn't they just pass a tax on campsites last summer? Its ubelievable what these people will do. Clearly, its Bush's fault. What a bunch of frauds.
- William, Dover

Not sure a specific person can be blamed. It probably should've been reviewed at the 5 & 10 year intervals. And determined then is was failing. There have been 5 Governors since then. Was it reviewed and put off again and again by republican and democrat Governors? 20 years is a long time to build up a failing system. Yet such systems are recommended all the time to save taxpayer money.
- John M, Penacook, NH

Since 1991 they haven't been funded? My that makes the illustrious Judd Gregg the brainchild of how this folly was originally orchestrated. Lifetime politicians like him were never concerned about preserving some of our state's jewels or having affordable places for the average working citizens to be able to use on their limited budgets and vacation time. What they were good at was growing problems all the way to the national level by making sure they got tax breaks for the very wealthy by governing with a shell game.
- S. R. Kimball, Candia, N.H.