To the Editor:
I am writing in response to the article printed in the April 22 edition of The Free Press Standard concerning the OSU Extension Levy that is on the May 4 Primary Ballot.
I believe in the mission of Extension as the educational outreach program of The Ohio State University.
The Extension Service is one of the best tools devised to spread information and research concerning agriculture and related topics. It has helped many farmers and their families become more productive and better at their job.
4-H is a great learning tool for youth, not only in a rural county such as ours, but also the urban environment. It has provided educational opportunities to kids who may not have had any other way to attend summer camp, learn about responsibility in the raising of their animal or the satisfaction of completing any of the many other projects.
However, the Extension Service is a victim of its own success. They have been very good at disseminating information to the masses. Today, much of the educational material and information is available via the Internet. There is no need to go to a brick and mortar office with the exception of a few services.
The minimum amount needed for OSU Extension to maintain a presence in a county is $25,000 (funding for one agent). A support staff person would also be needed, so add another $35,000 to $50,000. That’s a minimum ball park figure of $85,000 total. The county is responsible for providing benefits, office space, utilities and supplies. One agent would allow 4-H to continue in the county as well as other programs at a minimum level. Extension is asking for monies to restore the program to 2001 levels. Is this really needed? Do we need a full scaled program when a more basic program will get us through until times get better?
I do realize and understand they are requesting monies to repay OSU for what they have spent to cover the county shortfall. I don’t understand how they can request monies to cover projected uncollected delinquent taxes. This is asking person A to give extra to cover Person B because Person B did not pay their taxes.
They are assuming staff will receive a five percent pay raise (as determined by OSU) each year of the five-year levy. When was the last time the “Average Joe” got a pay raise to cover the cost-of-living, let alone any extra?
I am disgusted with the timing of the levy on the ballot. OSU says the office will close soon if the levy fails. No OSU Extension, no 4-H. This is 2 and one-half months before the county fair. What timing to prey on the fears of the kids who have purchased livestock in good faith.
Speaking of using kids, per Mr. Hogan, there are 450 members registered for 4-H this year. The taxpayers are making quite an investment for such a small amount of children. What about the kids in Hot Stove, soccer, Little Warrior Football, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. There is no levy for any of those particular programs.
Tom Konst
Carrollton, OH
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