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Topinka outlines her vision of what IDNR could become

Friday, April 28, 2006 6:40 AM CDT

Bill Clinton was taken to task during his presidency for stating, "It depends what the definition of is is."

Obviously, 99.9 percent of the English speaking world is well aware of the definition of is. Clinton would have saved himself a great deal of ridicule if he had focused on a different two-letter word - if.

If.

In terms of impact, if may be the most powerful word you can use when speaking about politicians.

As in, IF they truly believe the things they say, or IF I can truly believe the things they say.

Or, as in, IF this is more than campaign rhetoric, and IF they really intend to follow up on their statements.

The impact of that tiny word was foremost in my mind last week when I read the address given to the Illinois Conservation Forum by Republican gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka.

There is no question some of the remarks were political in nature - some stinging shots were delivered to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. On the other hand, she provided some statistics that were interesting to say the least.

Topinka said the current administration has slashed 431 jobs from the Department of Natural Resources. She also indicated this administration has swept nearly $60 million from funds intended for habitat, open space, natural areas, trails and state parks.

To be perfectly fair, no other governor in Illinois history has inherited the financial mess Gov. Blagojevich did. Cuts were not limited to the IDNR. No matter who would have assumed the office, unpopular measures would have been taken.

In the second part of her address, Topinka outlined her vision of IDNR under her guidance - and, this is where the "IF" comes in.

Topinka's first promise is to hire a natural resources professionals to run the department. Let's not pretend that the IDNR director doesn't have to play political games, but I have long advocated having a natural resources professional in that role.

No, it's not necessary that the head of IDNR be a biologist. On the other hand, I don't see any drawbacks either.

If an IDNR director has to balance a decision based on politics and science, I'd like to see a solid biological background to offset political pressures.

Two other statements stand out from Topinka's address - pledges that earmarked funds would be used for their intended purpose and decisions would be based on science and not politics.

Both statements should be givens, but things don't always seem to work out that way.

This promises to be a hotly-contested election.

Whether or not Topinka is elected, and follows up on her promises, remains to be seen. However, she has certainly found a vulnerable issue.

LES WINKELER is the outdoors writer for The Southern Illinoisan. Contact him at les.winkeler@thesouthern.com, or call (618) 529-5454 ext. 5088.