State Park Managers Oppose Coleman

By Published Dec 20, 2011 03:53 pm Updated Dec 20, 2011 04:01 pm

Sacramento,CA– California state park managers are disappointed with their director and want Governor Jerry Brown to appoint someone else to the role.

The Associated Press reports that the California State Parks Peace Officer Management Association, sent a letter to the governor’s office last week expressing disapproval of Ruth Coleman, who has been serving as state parks director for almost 10 years.

Scott Elliott, president of the managers association, says there is frustration over how Coleman handled budget cuts.

Earlier this year, the state announced it would close as many as 70 of the state’s 278 parks to save $33 million over two years. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is set for closure in July 2012.

Parks department spokesman Roy Stearns said today that Coleman has been leading the fight to keep state parks open by creating partnerships and obtaining grants.