Reader encourages ‘yes’ votes on Extension levy

Editor:

As our vote goes, so goes our country, state and county. If you don’t vote don’t complain.

In the organizations that I belong to decisions are made by those who show up. I believe this is called a democracy.

If we elect good people to fill these positions, we should end up with good results. The same is true when voting on issues.

I would like to make a couple of comments on the Carroll County Ohio State University Extension Levy that will be voted on May 4.

I am supporting a vote for the approval of the 0.57 mill levy for a period of five years. Carroll County Extension Service is the education arm of Ohio State University.

I was not able to attend OSU or any other college. After graduating from high school and serving four years in the Navy, I became a full-time farmer in Carroll County for more than 50 years.

I spent many of nights attending Extension meetings to learn and keep up with new technology and research projects. Agriculture, like many businesses, is a moving target.

There is something new in research and technology every day. If I had not had the availability of Carroll County Extension service, I and many of the other farmers would not have achieved success.

Carroll County Extension service is not only agriculture. It is involved in natural resources, community development for Carroll County citizens.

The Extension office also operates the farmers market in the summer and many other services.

Carroll County Extension service is a roll up your sleeves, get to work office that benefits every family in Carroll County, urban and rural. It has been in existence for nearly 100 years and a vote for the levy will keep it in existence for at least another five years.

The cost would be $17.51 per year on a residential home with assessed value of $100,000. That is a small price to pay for our future especially when you consider the 4-H program.

4-H is an educational program for the future and leadership training for our youth. It teaches responsibility, discipline and work ethics. 4-H is a good recipe for the development and success of our children as they become the future leaders and work force of our county — similar to sports in school except not many people make a living playing sports.

Please vote for the levy as it is very important for our county now and also for the future.

P.S.: Bob Evans, the owner of Bob Evans restaurants, said many times and I quote, “The second most important thing I did in life was to build the Bob Evans restaurant chain and the first and most important thing I did in life was to work to help the survivor of the family farm. The family farm is the backbone of our country.”

Earl J. McKarns

Kensington, Ohio