CONSERVATION COMMISSION OPPOSES HANCOCK II

ST. LOUIS -- The Missouri Conservation Commission has gone onrecord opposing the proposed constitutional amendment commonly called Hancock II.

At its meeting in Clayton Sept. 23, the commissioners voted 3-1 to adopt a position statement opposing Hancock II, which will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot as Constitutional Amendment No. 7.

The consenting commissioners were: Jerry P. Combs, Kennett, chairman; Andy Dalton, Springfield, vice chairman; and Anita B. Gorman, Kansas City, secretary. Commissioner John Powell, Rolla cast the dissenting vote.

The position statement, in full, says:

"The Conservation Commission is opposed to the Hancock II Amendment and strongly urges the voters of Missouri to carefully consider the impact this amendment could have on Conservation Department programs, services, and the fish, forest and wildlife resources of the state.

"The Issue: In November, Missouri voters will be asked to decide on a ballot issue commonly known as Hancock II. This proposed constitutional amendment would, if passed, repeal the existing Hancock Amendment and institute new spending and revenue limitations. Specifically, Hancock II will repeal or modify by implication or may be construed to change, repeal or modify by implication, in addition to the provisions of the Constitution which are specifically repealed, 51 existing sections of the Missouri Constitution, including Article IV, Section 43(b) which limits the expenditure of Conservation Commission funds for fish, forest, and wildlife purposes.

"Because of the uncertainty regarding how this provision would be interpreted or implemented regarding the Department of Conservation, the effects of Hancock II on Department programs and services could be far-reaching. The total financial resources of the Department of Conservation could be adversely affected by the passage of Hancock II and the Department would be unable to provide the traditional services to protect the fish, forest and wildlife resources of the state."