Liz Charlwood: Keep critical county agencies; they’re worth investing in

To The Daily Sun,

Some Belknap County state representatives argue that our critical county agencies aren't worth an extra $5 per year. That’s hard to square with the values most of us share — or with recent history, when the public had to push back to protect Gunstock from being hijacked without transparency. It’s worth paying attention when decisions are framed as “too expensive” but the funding is as small as $5 and the impact is significant.

By investing just $5 more (for the year), each of us will make a difference supporting real, local priorities. It helps the Belknap County Conservation District protect our lakes by keeping water clean and reducing shoreline erosion. It supports mental health services that provide crisis response and care for adults, families, and youth. And it helps the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension continue youth programs and support family farms, including 4-H. All of this keeps visitors coming to our area which is vital to our jobs and our economy.

In Belknap County, we know value when we see it. We’re proud of our communities, our lakes, our kids, and our working farms — and they’re worth far more than a $5 per year raise. Let our state representatives know Belknap County is worth this important investment.

Liz Charlwood

Belmont