Editor:
I would like to encourage your readers to consider signing a petition to place a Linn County 4-H and Extension Service District on Oregon’s November 2008 ballot.
Funding for this program will be seriously curtailed with the loss of federal timber revenue to Linn County. Formation of a service district will provide stable revenue to keep the program viable. Extension has been a part of Linn County Government for almost 100 years. Oregon Revised Statutes keep Extension within County Government even if a local district is formed.
As a result, the Linn County Commissioners will continue to be the budget authority for 4-H and Extension just as they are now.
As a lifelong resident of Oregon, I have personally seen how much the OSU Extension program has benefited so many of our state’s citizens. My wife and I have sponsored a 4-H Club in the Lebanon area with members coming from Sweet Home, Albany and Brownsville as well as Lebanon.
During the 23 years the club has been in existence nearly 1000 youth and their families have been able to participate in and learn about Oregon’s natural resources, food preparation, photography, clothing construction, art and computers. Without the support and structure of the OSU Extension program, this resource would have been very limited or possibly non-existent.
A total of 8,700 valid signatures are needed by May 8, 2008 to place the 4-H and Extension District on the ballot. If you received a petition in the mail from the Linn County Extension Association, please sign and return it. Otherwise, please help by signing a petition when approached by one of the Extension supporters.
Sherman Sallee
Lebanon