Citizens working to preserve and enhance the state park system for the benefit of the people of Texas and their guests .
The Voice, Online – TfSP E-Bulletin
December 8, 2006
Transfer of a Number of Historic Sites to the Texas Historical Commission Likely
It has come to our attention that a behind the scenes deal to transfer a number of historic sites to the Texas Historical Commission is nearing reality. This is being done without public comment and against the recommendations of a number of studies that have been done over the past several years. In several legislative sessions, the Chairman of the Texas Historical Commission has pushed for transfer of sites from P&W to THC, despite the fact that every review of the issue has recommended against it. THC has no infrastructure to operate and maintain any sites. It will require, in essence, the creation of an entire agency to manage a few sites, apparently to satisfy those who desire the THC to be a more ‘powerful’ agency. This will likely further dilute funds that would otherwise be available for parks, and possible acquisition of other historic sites around the state.Citizens deserve the opportunity to know more about this issue: which sites are considered for transfer; how will the sites will be operated and funded. The only way that is likely to happen is if you speak out NOW. If you have comments regarding the transfer of 20+ State Historic Sites, contact the following people and share your thoughts with them.
Governor’s Opinion line
800-252-9600
Lt. Governor
(512)463-0001
Tom Craddick, Speaker of the House
512) 463-1000 office phone
Harvey Hildebran
512.463.0536
fax 512.463.1449
The Honorable Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons
Chairman
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
Uhl, Fitzsimons & Jewett, P.C.
4040 Broadway, Suite 430
San Antonio, TX 78209
FAX - (210) 829-1641The Honorable Donato Ramos
Vice-Chairman
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
P.O. Box 451111
Laredo, TX 78045-1111
FAX - (956) 727-5884
The Honorable Mark E. Bivins
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
414 S. Polk Street
Amarillo, TX 79101
FAX - (806) 373-3557
The Honorable J. Robert Brown
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
6949 Market Street
El Paso, TX 79915
FAX - (915) 775-0985
The Honorable T. Dan Friedkin
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
109 N. Post Oak Lane, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77024
FAX - (713) 580-5220
The Honorable Ned S. Holmes
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
55 Waugh Drive, Suite 1111
Houston, TX 77007
FAX - (713) 864-8878
The Honorable Peter M. Holt
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
3302 South WW White Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78222
FAX - (210) 648-0078
The Honorable Philip Montgomery
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
P.O'B. Montgomery & Company
5550 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 380
Dallas, TX 75240
FAX - (972) 490-4905
The Honorable John D. Parker
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
121 West Laurel Avenue
Lufkin, TX 75904-2961
FAX - (936) 632-4503
The Honorable Lee Marshall Bass
Chairman-Emeritus
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
201 Main Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
FAX - (817) 390-8408