Hag's Blog by John Haggard

Very Cool… Thank you Rep. Dave Upthegrove (really…. up the grove?)

From: Upthegrove, Rep. Dave [mailto:Dave.Upthegrove@leg.wa.gov]
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 5:23 PM
To: 'john@haggardmail.net'
Subject: RE: Constituent: Washington Discover Pass

Dear John,

Thank you for your message expressing your concern about the inability to transfer the new Discover Pass between vehicles.  I agree that this is an added burden for people visiting our state parks and am hopeful that we can find a workable solution next session.  It was not the intent of the legislation to make people choose between the Prius and the RV (or the car vs. motorcycle, in your case) when they go to the park!

As you may know, the Discover Pass was adopted by the Legislature this year as an alternative to closing state parks and recreational lands in the face of a $5 Billion budget shortfall.  The pass program was developed through a series of meetings with park users, budget writers and state agencies. It is my understanding that the one-vehicle limit was part of their calculations.  If the program is changed to allow some sort of transfer between vehicles (perhaps modeled after the federal pass, as you mentioned), it will likely create a funding gap.  The Legislature is prevented by Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1053 (passed by the voters in 2010) from raising any general taxes to pay for this.  We would have to fill that gap by either closing some parks and recreational lands or creating additional fees to cover the costs. 

I know that the legislators who sponsored the Discover Pass are working this interim to find ways to make it more workable, including looking at the issue of transferability.  I anticipate that legislation will be put forth next session to make various adjustments to the program and I will give them my full consideration.

Again, thanks for taking the time to contact me.  I value the input I receive and hope you will continue to share your views with me.

Sincerely,

Dave Upthegrove

State Representative

33^rd District

Chairman, House Environment Committee

Webpage: http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/roster/rep-dave-upthegrove/

Sign up for my E-memo

Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000

Call for Letter to Washington State Legislators for State Park Discover Pass

Below is an email to my legislators regarding being forced to purchase multiple passes to enjoy the park system depending on which vehicle you use. Law was rushed and it shows.

You can find your Washington State Legislators here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/.

Below is my letter to them, please tell them yourself so enough noise is heard to get some changes. All they have to do is follow what the National Lands Pass has done – that has been used for many years and works beautifully. For example, I have a sticker that goes on my bike and if you have a convertible (i.e. Jeep) you get stickers for that too so your hanging pass doesn’t get ripped off.

Please let them know…..

Below is the message:

The following message was sent to Senator Karen Keiser (D), Representative Tina Orwall (D) and Representative Dave Upthegrove (D) of the 33rd district.

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TO:
Senator Karen Keiser

CC:
Representative Tina Orwall
Representative Dave Upthegrove

FROM:
Mr. John Haggard

SUBJECT:
Washington Discover Pass

MESSAGE:

Dear Legislators,

Problem: Annual Discover Pass fees attached to cars not people.

Solution: Please follow the lead of the Annual Pass for The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass. These issues have been thought out and resolved.
I have both a automobile and a motorcycle and I enjoy going to Kanaskat-Palmer State Park to enjoy the hikes and the Green River. Sometimes I use my Suburban and sometimes my motorcycle. I do not believe the intent of the Discover Pass is to force me to purchase two passes. The law as written does however.

Please reconsider how this first year program has been implemented and make changes. I'm all for supporting State Parks as I do National Forests/Parks.

Sincerely,
John Haggard
19411 8th Ave S
Des Moines, WA 98148
john@haggardmail.net
206-429-2808

RESPONSE:
Mr. Haggard has requested a response to this message.