CUTS: Please save extension

It is with great concern for the proposed cut of funding for Extension in Kootenai County by County Clerk Cliff Hayes that I write to you. 

Although Extension is synonymous for most people with 4-H, there are many other valuable benefits that are obtainable through the Kootenai County Extension. As mentioned in the article published on Wednesday, July 13, "...nutrition classes and finance education for low-income individuals, forestry management, master gardener classes and the 4-H Youth Development program..." are also services provided to the community. The Extension Office in each of the counties reviews the need of their area and works to have available those sources which are needed in their community.

As for Mr. Hayes' comment that 4-H youth can go to Scouts or Boys and Girls Club, what Mr. Hayes does not realize is there has been a study that shows for the amount of funding received by those organizations and other youth organizations the return on the investment is not as high as found in the 4-H program. What is meant by this you might ask. It means that 4-H receives less money, BUT has more individuals who come from this program are involved in government leadership roles be it on the national, state, county or city level. Also, there is less teen pregnancy, less drug and/or alcohol abuse and less high school drop out rate. Those who actively participate in 4-H are more able to be successful in today's ever changing world. It will be a great injustice for the funding to be cut by the county for the Extension service in Kootenai County.

As a proud 4-H Volunteer, I encourage any volunteer, family member of either volunteers or members, alumni, or community person who has benefited from the Extension service program in Kootenai County to write, call and attend the commission meeting to voice your opposition to the cutting of this funding. It will take many voices to have this heard and understood.

BOBBI FLOWERS, Volunteer

Former State Leaders Association President