The recession means that things are tight across the economy. Families are concerned. Seniors are concerned. Home values are down. Local tax receipts are down. County revenues from fees are down. The County Council, like many families, has had to reduce expenses to balance the budget.

One area that should not be cut is the support for the county’s 4-H program. The 4-H program brings parents, children and our community together in a positive manner that is not duplicated by any other program. At a time when children face many challenges, some of which lead down a destructive path, a positive program that is so beneficial for our youth, families and community should not be set aside.

4-H builds and strengthens a young person’s character, fosters constructive relationships between children, strengthens families and establishes a foundation from which children grow to become successful adults in our community.

The council has the budget authority and can choose to spend a little less on roads, less on consultants, less on administration, less on attorneys or less on employee overtime and, in turn, fully fund the 4-H program.

Please contact the County Council and encourage them to give our local 4-H program the support it needs to serve the children and families in San Juan County, whether or not the levy lid tax increase is passed by county voters.

John Evans
Doe Bay
(Evans is a former county commissioner and is executive director of the San Juan Builders Association)