February 24, 2004
Council President Cathy Woolard
Members of the Atlanta City Council
City Hall 2nd Floor Suite 2900
55 Trinity Avenue, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30335
Dear President Woolard and Members of Council:
I hereby return with my veto, Resolution # 04-R-0351
On February 16, 2004 the Atlanta City Council adopted Resolution # 04-R-0351 stating the City of Atlanta's opposition to the creation of the Atlanta Park District; the creation of an Atlanta Park District Authority; and for other purposes.
The City of Atlanta has been in dire need of upgrading and improving parks, greenspace and recreational opportunities for Atlanta's citizens for many years.
The cities that possess the "best in class" park systems; such as Chicago, Kansas City and Minneapolis, utilize independent Parks Districts. In each city mentioned above the public/private investments have been substantial and very useful to improving the quality and quantity of the parks system.
Since the time that this resolution was introduced, several City Council work sessions have occurred and numerous changes have been incorporated into the proposed State bill. The State Senator has pledged to continue to receive input from the Mayor and the Council.
Based on the rationale as outlined in this letter, I urge you to sustain my veto of
Resolution #04-R-0351.
Sincerely,
Shirley Franklin
# # #
For more information about the programs and services of the City of Atlanta, watch City Channel 26.