In a recent Opinion discussing higher state park fees in Delaware, Mr. Rich King suggested that state parks should be run more like a business (“My two cents on state park fee increases”). While I agree that the state parks may be missing some possible revenue sources, the last thing I want is for any part of government to be run like a business. We have the not-for-profit and government sectors to provide, for the common good, the things that businesses cannot or should not provide.
Open recreational space preserved for the public benefit, as well as our parks and seashores, are among the things I expect government to provide to all citizens without a fee. Out-of-state users — sure, of course, charge them an admission that reflects the value of what they get in our parks and beaches, but Delawareans shouldn’t be charged. So, no to higher fees and yes to no fees for the citizens of Delaware!
John P. McCarthy
Frederica
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
