If things weren't bad enough for Arizona's state parks, ABC News in Phoenix reported today that $250,000 left by eighty-two year old Asta Forest to Arizona State Parks has been "poached".
"She wanted to give this money so that other people could enjoy the state parks and all they have to offer," said trustee and family friend Roger Essenburg.
While parks officials were considering what to do with her donation, when the state Legislature met to cut cash from the budget, $213,000 was taken away from the Arizona State Parks donation fund--most of Forest's donation.
Can you blame folks for being upset with the state for taking the donated money and using it to fill gaps in Arizona's budget? Essenburg said he's very angry with the state for poaching Forest's donation.
"She would have never given money if she knew it would be used for other things other than the parks," said Essenburg.
It seems the Legislature can take any donations that have not been earmarked for a specific purpose, and use them as they need to.
Come on, Arizona. Are you legislators aware of what a backlash acts like this can provoke? I hope your mailboxes overflow with irate parks users demanding the return of these funds to their proper use, and that you reconsider the shortsighted plan to close the state parks to save money.
Go here for a list of the email addresses of the members of the Arizona state senate. Send them an email and let them know what you think.
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