Letters and Comments for July 8, 2009

West

A diamond in the rough

To the Editor:

The Observer recently ran an article in regards to funding and the Oregon FFA State Association. The article touched on the dire situation that was being faced by Oregon FFA and the Student Leadership Development Center.

It is my honor and pleasure to announce that due to the consistent support of hundreds of people around the state, but especially in our area, Oregon FFA and the SLDC were funded by the Legislature. However, it takes more than just widespread e-mails and letters to legislators to get things done in Salem.

In order to avoid a monumental crisis, it took the tenacity of a passionate and respected legislator working for the good of everyone. Who is this legislator? It is Rep. Greg Smith.

Rep. Smith has been proudly serving Union, Wallowa, Morrow and Umatilla counties for nine years. He has spoken at various ceremonies in our area, including FFA banquets. He is active in his hometown of Heppner. He became an Eagle Scout at the age of 14 and helps coordinate merit badge counseling for Heppner scout troops. He is one of the truest, honest and most genuine individuals I have ever met.

When I first called Rep. Smith in late May about the fact that the SLDC was not in the budget, he told me, “I’m on it.” From there Rep. Smith, my fellow state officers and I attacked the funding issue. Rep. Smith was at the vanguard. He made it clear where he stood with FFA, FBLA, DECA and other student leadership organizations being left out of the budget. His perseverance and grit did not come in vain and we accomplished our goal.

We should be proud and honored to have such an admirable ambassador speaking for us.

Thank you, Rep. Smith, for your commitment to Eastern Oregon and all of us who live here.

Nick West

Imbler

Oregon FFA state vice president